POW2045

POW 2045 is a performative video work, combining interdisciplinary practices ranging from scientific and human to computer-generated interaction and design. The work raises questions on how a machine can potentially become a partner within an artistic process instead of an effect that serves only the artist as well as how a machine can generate choreographic patterns, creative solutions and become an equal partner within artistic productions.

To answer such questions, Christian Mio Loclair (in collaboration with the Berlin design studio Onformative) and choreographer Raphael Hillebrand started to investigate different methods of computer-generated choreography. The application represents a generative approach to structured improvisation which allows man and machine to improvise together, continuously searching for new shapes and transitions. The corresponding findings describe the foundation for the physical language and dance in POW 2045. During a period of 6 weeks the artists continued to develop their physical language, representing their conceptual and poetic view on themselves, on each other and on the omnipresent machine. The resulting choreographic elements create a fusion of dance-theater, spoken words and urban dances such as Bboying and Popping reaching from organic flow and tragedy to robotic precision.

Different drawings by the architect Oskar Schlemmer were a huge inspiration to the artwork. The major contribution of the drawing by Schlemmer is the clean separation between shapes: This kind of visual contrast can be understood as a visual representation of human computer difference and reveals core features of both – man and machine. Instead of projector patterns that light up the stage and installation, POW 2045 is driven by a computer algorithm. This program is able to read the dancer’s behavior by the use of 3d camera technology and translate the captured information into graphics and sound. Hence, POW 2045 consists of a tight communication between the dancers and the overwhelming installation in order to create a democratic artistic moment between man and machine.

POW 2045 premiered at the world famous Bauhaus Dessau and was touring across Central America. In order to close the gap between on stage physical rehearsal and quick design iterations, Studio Christian Mio Loclair decided to use VVVV for this production. VVVV is a visual programming language and in our opinion the best software for rapid prototyping of visual content. VVVV offers high quality shader support (DX11), easy interaction for real time adjustments and multi render modules for monitoring the state of the program.

SOFTWARE

VVVV (DX11, Kinect, V2 plugin, OSC)
Ableton

COLLABORATORS

Choreography & Dance: Raphael Hillebrand and Christian Mio Loclair
Code & Design: Christian Mio Loclair
Music: Johannes Helberger (Kling Klang Klong)
Directing Assistant: Lea Bethke
Costume: Burghard Wildhagen
Technical Direction: Nikola Pieper