Keywords: laptop live, screen-based performance, generative animation.
Click here to see the video.
| by Tatsuo Unemi, Soka University. November 2011 – March 2012. | Tweet |
| This is an improvisational live performance of
audio visual projection using a computer-based system
operated by a performer in real-time on site.
The software developed by the author is a breeding system
for abstract images and animations based on a type of
genetic algorithm and computational aesthetic measurements.
The selected individual animations are projected on the screen
with a synchronized sound effects in turn.
The performer also controls the parameters of sound synthesis
to be suitable for the performance.
Each sequence is never performed again because the machine
is using different random numbers for each time.
Keywords: laptop live, screen-based performance, generative animation. |
Click here to see the video. |
ConceptThis is a live performance of audio visual projection using a computer-based system operated by a performer in real-time on site. It is a challenge to cooperative improvisation between a human artist and a complex machine with a type of intelligence. The software is a tool of Interactive Evolutionary Computation developed by the author for breeding abstract images and animations. It also has a genetic algorithm based on pre-programed aesthetic criteria to automatically produce interesting patterns. The machine generates a number of codes to produce complex spatiotemporal patterns, and the performer selects some of the proposed pieces based on his/her preferences and controls the process running on the machine. The selected individual animations are projected on the screen with a synchronized sound effects. The shape of sound waves is basically determined from the statistical analysis on the frame images for each of five channels positioned from left to right. The performer controls the parameters of sound synthesis to adjust it to be suitable for the performance. Each sequence is never performed again because the machine is using different random numbers for each time.The author hopes to provide an occasion for audience to reconsider how we should relate to the artifacts around us. We know the nature is complex and often unpredictable, but we, people in the modern democratic society, intend to assume that artificial systems should be under our control and there must be some person who takes responsibility on the effects. However, it is difficult to keep some of the complex artifacts under our control. The author thinks we should learn more how we should live with them and how we can enjoy with them. |
Technical FeaturesThis is a live performance of audio visual projection using a computer system. The duration is flexible but is normally about 15 minutes. It requires a large screen and a projector for visuals and a stereo loudspeaker system for sounds. The performer should be sitting on a chair at a side of the screen to operate the laptop computer on a table. The image and the sound is produced from another small computer connected with the laptop via a network cable. The custom software developed by the author runs on MacOS X 10.6 or 10.7. The both machines should be 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo with GeForce 9400 or faster. It is possible for the author to bring them by himself. The screen resolution should be 1024 × 768, 1280 × 720 or higher.Performance
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