Kelvin Hu

Bodynet explores telepresence and identity using Skype and multiple participants. This project collects images from different locations and unifies them into one space.

In our performance piece, “Bodynet”, we will instill a sense of creativity, fun and surprise into visitors. By joining the disparate identities, genders and abilities of various visitors into one re-combined composite projection space, we incorporate play, discovery and interaction into visitors’ experimentation with this unique space. Through seeing their own bodies merged into a real-time amalgam of body movements, visitors will dynamically explore questions concerning their self-image and identity, as well as their role in our increasingly interconnected and co-dependent society.

Bodynet is a performance-based installation which takes three feeds via Skype, from three separate locations and projects them into a unified entity. Three computers that will be set on three different levels of the human body(head, torso, feet). Three other computers will be collecting live feeds of three separate users in three different locations using wifi. Each computer will send a feed to the corresponding projector, which is then displayed onto a wall where each user is able to view. The computers will be placed in three different areas of the room however, each facing the same direction in order for the users to see the main projected image. The projections are aligned vertically on a cart to give the illusion of a single person. Each computer will be mounted on Apple boxes to align to each level of the body. To maintain a flow of consistency, the cart and the appleboxes will be covered in a black sheet. the appleboxes will also be taped firmly to the ground. To avoid the possibilitiy of people knocking over the boxes, there will be supervisors monitoring the area. The projected image explores the concept of identity as users are encouraged to play with others to create unique, and fun compositions. Society is always being introduced with new technology, causing us to isolate ourelves with others in the physical world. Bodynet urges to change that as it is meant to bring people closer together by combining networked information and the idea of play. With this project, people are able to freely collaborate with others to create unique compositions using their bodies. It pushes the idea of self image and identity while simultaneously bringing together individuals into one physical entity in a world where technology makes physical presence irrelevant.

Result

The class seemed to enjoy our project. We had various participants who played with the piece and some at times, participants would choreograph something look unified. I thought this was interesting and very pleased on how it turned out. It was entertaining to watch how everyone cooperated. All planning documents and research can be found on our googledoc - Bodynet Googledoc

below is a link to the video documentation of our piece. Enjoy. (1080p is available for higher quality)