[ars]numerica > Artists in residence > Programming 2008 > Hémera - Jacopo Baboni-Schilingi

An architectural, audio and video system lies at the heart of the action

In search of a form in which sound and light come from all possible directions, and through experimental workshops, we have designed and built the panoramic, 360° spherical device. The viewer is fully immersed in an environment of light and sound and has the feeling of being inside a body full of activity: They are physically at the heart of the listening and the luminous sensation. The strength of physical objects lies in their naked form: bent steel tubes adopt the shape of a ball that is completely open. It creates a complete 3-dimensional system, with a panoramic 360° view and 240° at its azimuth, placing 6m high the upper point of the vault. The object itself structures the emptiness of the room.

 

A strong light-music-dance trio (sensations, interactivity and performance)

The musical-light links seemed obvious to us from beginning of the system's design. The two media complement, contradict and naturally reinforce one another. The intervention of the dancer brings concrete strength that is in counterpoint to the interactive sound and light system. In terms of technology, sound and light are also processed in parallel. They communicate through the same control system. We use MAX-MSP-Jitter software and have developed suitable tools of expression for the device. Sound and light are intangible media. We want to give them body through dance and through cutting edge programming that leads the public to a sense of jubilation.

The audience has a predominant place in this circular system

The sphere disrupts the perceptions of different spaces. Its round shape and its openness to the public evolve both around and within the system. To attain the desired sound and visual effects, we guide the behaviour of the audience by immediate, mutual actions.

Publication date : 2008-08-01