GAPP - gamified audiovisual performance and performance practice

Introduction Computer Games have become a fashionable area of research, which has been covered by many different fields of research in the humanities and in the arts. However, only to a comparatively small extent have computer game elements been explored in the realm of audiovisual composition and performance. This artistic research project starts out with the assumption that player interactions and game strategies offer yet unexplored models that can be applied in live audiovisual works. Game-interaction and the doubling of the player in the game in a virtual space offer a large potential to create a liveness quality of a novel kind. This does not only concern the performer who is interacting with a responsive audiovisual system but can also engage an audience as backseat-players. This artistic research project therefore sets out to explore the combination of game strategies and performer interactions for its artistic potential beyond the mere imitation of computer games. Goals The goal of the research is to develop a thorough understanding of the potential of game based elements in audiovisual works. This affect the work on several technical levels e.g. regarding the implementation of algorithms and the design of the interface but also raises questions regarding the perception: how do we create a balanced perception of events taking place on a stage area and simultaneously on a virtual screen? How can the performer act as a mediator and involve the audience in the performance as backseat-players? These questions have not, yet, been researched and they ask for an investigation from the point of view of artistic practice. Methodology The research will be carried out from two perspectives: 1) audiovisual composition and 2) performance studies. A large number of questions have been identified that will serve as a methodological framework and points of reflection and evaluation during the process. Altogether seven teams of artists will address the questions in their artistic research. The process will be cyclical and will include periodic evaluations and reflections. Having seven teams working at the same pools of questions will yield different artistic solutions which can then be compared with each other for better insights.

No additional funding sources recorded.