A response to a previous work, deliberately destroyed by a pre-tween in a tutu. It was not a performance piece, though that would have been awesome. That first piece was named Howard Hughes & Paula Deen. Similar to the earlier work this piece acknowledges and emulates the process leading up to, and engaging in, agoraphobia. This work is lighter, stronger, more modern, and more resilient while also being afflicted with said phobia. Video production credit to: Instructional Media Services, UITS, IUSB.
Media: Fiberglass rod, 3D printed plastic, light emitting diodes, micro controllers, prototyping board, piezo speakers, wire.
Wearable interactive electronics controlled by actors during a performance of King Lear.
In the fall semester of 2013 I collaborated with the Indiana University South Bend Theatre & Dance Department to design and execute wearable technology for their performance of King Lear. I contributed the electronic work and programming for the illuminated crowns, arm pieces, and 3D printed military metals. I created many of the elements while consulting with Costume Designer: Jason L. Resler & Director: Justin Amellio.
The gold crown base for King Lear was created by Jason Lee Resler. Once he was finished with the main structure I retrofitted the electronics to give it a less refined more dystopian futuristic look.
I was honored with the opportunity to create the entire minimalistic crown for the French King. I designed and 3D printed the head band. Then integrated the computer controlled lighting. This second technique was also used to create the armbands worn by King Lear’s soldiers (in camouflage uniforms). Video production credit to: Instructional Media Services, UITS, IUSB.
The armband illuminated blocks, illumination on the Lear crown, the French crown, plus the metals and earrings worn by the Lear entourage were my contribution. All the other wonderful costume work was by Jason Lee Resler.
This robot creates an abstract expressionist painting while any viewer is present. In doing so it encourages the viewer to contemplate their notions regarding the hand of the artist & digital technology.
Media: Aggregated electronic components, canvas, acrylic paint, wire, plastic, fiberglass rod, prototyping board, rubber, silicone, and medium density fiber board.
I wanted to emulate a human experience: in this case agoraphobia. Both Howard Hughes & Paula Deen may have suffered from this condition. As viewers surround the pedestal both towers of lights elongate and contract becoming increasingly active until they reach a state of panic. Unfortunately this work was deliberately destroyed by a pre-tween in a tutu. No, I'm not joking.
Media: Light emitting diodes, micro controllers, prototyping board, wire, servos, medium density fiber board, lexan.
This work is a combination of multiple current technologies and tools configured to imply an earlier time. It is an intentional implication of 'plasticpunk' if you will. In fitting with this ideology The 8-Bit Ascendant communicates a new message each time this sculpture is installed thus providing an alternate experience.
Media: Fiberglass rod, prototyping board, 3D printed plastic, light emitting diodes, wire, Arduino, piezo speakers, various electronic components, rubber, medium density fiber board.
This is a loose reference to the recent controversy over 3D printed hand guns. It responds only to a viewer who stands directly in its line of sight, and then it shoots off its mouth. The speed of the response is randomized using the viewer's range as the numeric kernel.
Media: Fiberglass rod and prototyping board, 3D printed plastic, light emitting diodes, Arduino, piezo speakers, various electronic components, rubber, medium density fiber board.
© Sean Hottois 2017