Synopsis

In this convening, over twenty-five artists and technologists created several small groups centred around particular themes. My group’s theme was centred around sound, noise, and body-responsive technology in an experiential context. With diverse artistic and technological expertise, we initially began exploring Human-Computer Interaction through an aural lens and later integrated physical interactivity. Our process involved collective brainstorming and experimentation, resulting in the use of tools such as an Arduino, Max MSP, p5.js, Processing, a Kinect, TouchDesigner, an NFC chip, and audio recording devices.

Inspired by Banff’s natural setting, we developed an interactive “sound walk.” This sound walk featured stations where participants whispered their names into an audio recorder, posed as trees where a Kinect captured their silhouettes, engaged with fire and Indigenous stories, and made sound with natural and digital tools upon / with nature, which were also recorded. Captured materials were run to a Yurt where a multimedia visual and aural installation was presented at the end of the sound walk, using what was recorded from the participants. At the end of the installation experience, participants were invited to download their personalized experience via an NFC chip implanted in my hand. The NFC chip led them to this Google Drive link.