Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Stelarc Performance

Distributed performance with Oscilloscope
Flinders University 2008
Vinny Bhagat
9th May’08
From the early experiments with the radio transistor as a musical instrument to the introduction of digital technology and networked computers, we are constantly redefining the role of technology in our lives, exploring the new means for artistic expression.
Distributed performances are emerging trends in performance practices where the performers are not in close proximity to each other. Through modern Internet technology, isolated performers can be visually and sonically connected to each other. Hence, the requirement of performers in one physical space is rather a matter of choice not condition. This opens up new avenues of collaboration between distant artists. One can set up a performance base, collaborate with artists in isolated locations and broadcast performances in multiple venues within one time frame.

Acoustic Space – is an idea of an installation piece where a microphone captures real time audio signal and pitch shifts it. Hence an amplified space where movements, speech or any occurring sound is synthesized in real time and reproduced via loud speakers.
For my performance the sound is generated by touching the body surfaces of amplified piezzo and plugged leads. The signal passes through the pitch shift model done in Supercollider i.e. then isreproduced through the speakers. The output audio signal is also sent to oscilloscope placed in Venue 2 through wireless internet and the resultant oscillations are visually streamed back to the performance venue through a web camera i.e. then projected on a big screen.
Isolated performer - Tyrell Blackburn and Oscilloscope in Venue 2

Tyrell : “Vinny's idea for his piece was to transmit audio via Skype to my computer where I'd feed it into an analogue oscilloscope. From there, a camera would capture the oscilloscope’s monitor and send back the image through Skype to the audience where he is performing”.
I found a program called CamTwist, which came with the ability to apply filters to the built-in iSight. I used video overlay effects and improvised with its settings in real-time.”

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