In the beginning of 2023 I presented a mixed media exhibition in Optika studio (creative studio in Copenhagen that designs interactive sensory brand experiences)
Apart from physical oil, acrylic paintings, graphic physical and digital works the exhibition included a 20 min performance that combined music and generative real-time art-projections on the paintings, which illustrated Jean Baudrillard theoretical claims.
The idea of making real-time generative projections that I executed in #Touchdesigner and projecting them on to the physical paintings came to me around a year ago. Unfortunately it’s not usual that a gallery or a studio can offer a good technical setup for such project. Optika studio offered a professional projector and 2 4 x 65" screens which I used for displaying other generative works with my CG. Beside that it was not a usual exhibition that is made for selling works or generate any sort of revenue. This fit perfectly my idea and my personal beliefs.
For this performance I also made a 21min music mix that was a tribute to #BurntFriedman (a German musician and producer who works under a variety of project names in the fields of electronic music, dub and jazz). I used to DJ a lot in my youth so I had to open Traktor one more time and record a live mix with sampling and effects.
The whole setup is made in Touchdesigner and based on animation-timeline, where I could use the keys to control projections switching and also change the text part of the performance. I also had to dive into python to optimize GPU performance, which was something I’m not used to, but this ended up running on 60 FPS.
The whole mapping process didn’t take that long, but since my paintings are small-details heavy, it was quite difficult to match it perfectly for the projections, that where utilizing painting as a base. And of course the physical movements of the projector didn’t help, so some adjustments had to happen just right before the vernissage.
The theme was related to Jean Baudrillard claims and ideas. Because of the specifics of his works, I didn’t give a speech that would explain the irony of the exhibition itself, leaving it to the viewer.
The performance ends with a short poem by Samuel Beckett. My helpless attempt to remind about exchange and extermination of meaning, which is a true meaning of poetry.
I also made some flyers that contained a list of Baudrillard books I recommend to read.
My only hope was to spark some curiosity about previously so popular and yet almost forgotten thinker, especially in the light of recent events (referring to “The Gulf war did not take place”).
I'm very grateful to #Optika studio for making the exhibition happen and letting me in. And to all the viewers, who had a great endurance to stay the whole performance without any moving.
