Exploring the Intersections of Cultural Performance Practices and Wearable Technology

Conference: The Kyoto Conference on Arts, Media & Culture (KAMC2021)
Title: Exploring the Intersections of Cultural Performance Practices and Wearable Technology
Stream: Arts Practices
Presentation Type: Virtual Presentation
Authors:
Hedy Hurban, University of Plymouth, United Kingdom

Abstract:

Humans have gone to great lengths in recent years to augment their bodies with wearable technology using commercial devices such as smart phones, watches, and jewelry. The presence of technology in the area of the performing and fine arts has shaped the future of how technology can be used to enhance existing performance practices including traditional performances. The current climate is driving performers to be innovative with technology. This research is concerned with creating a new digital musical instrument – a body instrument using built-in sensor systems for producing sounds and vibrations. The work draws from a range of multidisciplinary practices including, sound and music, digital technology, costume design, body movement combined with traditional forms of folk or cultural practices. Creating and expressing sounds through the use of gestures and body movements can allow the performer/wearer to engage in a more interactive movement experience while controlling aspects of their environment. Digitizing these movements can also lend to the preservation of cultural heritage. These practices can include inspirations from the Mevlevi or Whirling Dervishes of Turkey, and Spanish Flamenco from Andalusia. These garments/costumes will be performed by those practicing these traditions in an aim to capture certain movements to which sounds or other functions such as controlling lighting will be attributed to. The experience will be an embodied one; a new way of performing with sound that can entrance both the wearer and the audience.