EXPO966, Scarborough
09/06/2005 - 12/06/2005
An interactive installation enabling real-time control of both sonic and visual representation of the voice
First attempt at creating a virtual vocal instrument
This ongoing research project aims to explore digital-human relationships at the edge of Language. Members of the public are encouraged to construct a non verbal dialogue with my virtual self.
VINST is a highly sensitive vocal instrument consisting of my body image displaying points of sonic sensitivity that can be triggered and played by the viewer.
VINST vocabulary is based on vowels used as pure tones combined with consonants as percussive and rythmic interventions, the natural sounds of emotions (laughing, crying, sighing,….) and sensations ( pain, pleasure…) and a few phonemes which are unique to VINST. Around 50 different sounds. The sounds are pre- or non-linguistic, and are (usually) somewhat anatomically appropriate. The vocabulary is in evolution, as is its accompanying system of annotation.
This first attempt was a disappointing failure but it represented nevertheless a necessary step and an interesting learning curve in the development of the project as a whole.
VINST1 (or Vinstenstein) appears in Performance Research vol. 9 no. 2, June 2004, “on the page“ issue.
VINST1 features on www.soundtoys.net since April 2005
VINST appears in ‘Making things better’, Norwich Gallery. Part of EAST international 05 (July – August 2005)
Programmed in Director and Jitter by Matt Butt
with financial support from Arts Council London and UCCA research Fund
VINST1
A unique vocal instrument, part human part virtual – a body without organs – responding to touch but also to mood and sensibility. It consists of my body image displaying points of sonic sensitivity. The sounds are pre- or non- linguistic, and are based on how the body reacts to touch and how it produces sound. I personally derive as much pleasure playing (with) my virtual self as from watching others doing so.