Collecting some of the experiments in the field of interpersonal touch based musical interfaces.
Touch
Playtronica - Touch interfaces and performance /
The Russian / French company Playtronica is definitely the most prolific creators of touch-based musical installations. They currently have two devices that they sell that allow anyone to create the kind of work that they put into public spaces (or perform in concert settings).
This blog post will grow over time as I develop a greater understanding of their work and look at examples of their performances and novel uses of their devices (Touch Me and Playtron).
Playtronica at the Pompidou
Playtronica created this performance piece in collaboration with Arte Radio at the Centre Pompidou. It is a re-imagining of György Ligeti’s music and inspired by the Endless Column sculpture b y Constantin Brâncuși in the background.
The passers-by had to, step onto Playtronica-wired floor, and touch the skin of the “columns”. Thus, by spontaneous interaction of strangers, a new interpretation of a famous masterpiece was born.
‘Inclusive’ testing of their installation at the Pompidou
'Touch': A panel discussion about the use of touch in performance, led by Jane McLean, Ruth Spencer and Laura Blake /
A panel discussion about the use of touch in performance, led by Jane McLean, Ruth Spencer and Laura Blake.
I particularly found the work of Laura Blake interesting for my research on touch interaction and accessibility.
Laura Blake:
Visual Artist creating work that can be touched and interacted with.
Co-design is part of her practice, audiences test ideas around works.
Works with neurodiverse audiences.
It’s important they have the experience they want to have with it.
“Objects become a tool for communication between people.”
THE SOCIALLY DISTANCE FUTURE OF TOUCH:
Do we need to think about changing the art materials?
Continue to advocate for touch, don’t forget about it.
Touch language of the supporting adult is very important.
Artwork by Laura Blake
Artwork by Laura Blake