Tactile Sound Objects

I’m currently woking on tactile sculptures, some of which will be part of the sound object series (with analog synths and speakers inside)

Currently I am working on a series of implementations of tactile and sonic objects programmed to exhibit various behaviors (some unexpected and some therapeutic) and meant to be used in group workshops, choreographed performances, as well as individually as meditative props. These offshoots are part of the work I began during my graduate studies at Tisch School of the Arts, NYU.

Exploring the use of therapeutic, tactile and sonic, reflexive props in group settings for various group work.

This is a video of me moving one of the sound objects. The accelerometer/gyroscope sensor is picking up the tilt, sending the data through serial to Max/MSP, where various sonic behaviors are set off. Some variation happens due to the object being programmed to have options as to how to respond and with which sounds, but for the most part the semi-autonomous object can be collaborated with.

These experimentation are for an ongoing body of work - critical sound objects - tactile sonic objects that are programmable and are to be used for groups of people to create sounds together and explore, playing with sound relationship and reflecting on collaboration. The objects’ sonic behaviors change over time, they can affect one another, and cannot be fully controlled. The result is a jam session that required participants to pay attention and adjust as they improvise together.

The project asks: can people using such objects be encouraged to reflect on their social agreements and relationships to nonhuman elements around us?