WM_EX10 WM_A28 TCM_200DV BK26

Symposium:

• ISEA2016: 22nd International Symposium on Electronic Art
• More presentations from ISEA2016:  

• Glitch and Noise

• WM_EX10 WM_A28 TCM_200DV BK26

• Stefan Tiefengraber

Venue(s):

• Run Run Shaw Creative Media Centre, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR China

• Abstract
  ‘WM_EX10 WM_A28 TCM_200DV BK26’ is a real-time audio/video noise performance where sound and video is generated through short circuits the artist produces with his wet fingers on opened devices. The skin’s resistance and the conductance of the human body combined with the components of the circuits are modifying the sound. The audio signal that is audible through the speakers is sent to tube monitors and a projection which are visualizing the signal in flickering and abstract shapes and lines in black and white. The used devices, such as ‘Walkmans’ and ‘Bontempi’ keyboards, are still useful in their original function. The title of the performance is the type designation of the devices and changes with the objects used.

  Project description
  ‘WM_EX10 WM_A28 TCM_200DV BK26’ is a real-time audio/video noise performance. Sound is generated through short circuits the artist produces with his wet fingers on opened devices. The skin’s resistance and the conductance of the human body combined with the components of the circuits modify the sound. This generated malfunctions are used to let the played devices influence each other, as circuits are getting closed and current flows through the performer’s body from one device to the other. The audio signal which is audible through the speakers is sent to CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors visualizing the signal in flickering and abstract shapes and lines in black and white. On the one hand there are the obsolete analogue devices such as ‘Walkmans’ and ‘Bontempi’ keyboards, to produce the short circuits – the sounds – and on the other there are the CRT monitors. These as well are rather ancient devices, nowadays only found abandoned in basements, trash places and recycling centers.

  This performance shows the advantage of the analog and outdate seaming devices and signals very clearly. The speakers and monitors react organically and show the signals as they are. In contrast to digital devices, which will only display a picture or play-back sound if the signal is stable and remains this way for a certain time, so the device decides if the signal is suitable for the user. At this performance unexpected and uncontrollable analogue signals are altered and bent by the artist to an audio/video noisescape. The interaction with the devices is not based on scores or presets and therefore improvised, the performer generates and alters the sound and thus the video by touching the circuits. There is no prior modification of the used devices, no additional computer or extensive audio program is needed to create the distortions.

  The title of the performance refers to the type designation of the sound-producing devices and changes with the objects used.

Category:

• Artist Talk