Visualizing Human Energy Flow

It might sound hippy. But it’s true. And it’s trippy: there’s a vantage point in fundamental science where humans are simply fancy energy fields. No more, and no less. It’s as comforting as it is disturbing.

Scientists dont really know what these invisible energy fields looks like, but they’re obsessed with making representations and analogies anyway. danceroom Spectroscopy (dS) is a new attempt at visualizing invisible energy fields, with a twist. It puts people in the picture, resulting in something that’s part video game, part art installation, part immersive science visualisation, and part social experiment.

dS transforms an abitrary number of people into real-time energy fields, where they in turn warp the particle dynamics of a simulated quantum nano-world. It’s similar to the effect of a pebble dropped into a pool of water – only the pebbles get to watch themselves and the ripples and waves they create. There’s also a sonic dimension: dS actually measures people’s “vibrational frequencies” and uses that information to generate soundscapes. And the entire experience is built from rigorous quantum algorithms and mathematics that physicists use day-to-day.

Following its development and debut in 2011, David Glowacki is working with an interdisciplinary team that includes choreographer Laura Kriefmann, composer Joseph Hyde, programmer Phill Tew, and a team of professional dancers. Together, they are developing Hidden Fields, a performance and participatory installation that will offer a surreal glimpse into how our everyday movement interacts with the hidden energy fields that surround us. Hidden Fields will premiere at Arnolfini on 20-21 July before being featured in a 360-degree projection dome as part of the Cultural Olympiad on 4th-5th August.

In this talk, Glowacki will discuss the theoretical foundations of dS, highlight some fascinating observations made along the way, and demo the new software/hardware that will enable dS to provide a 360-degree, 3d experience.

For more information, visit www.danceroom-spec.com

This Lunchtime Talk is part of Open Studio Friday, which takes place at the Studio every week.

Do you want to find out what is going on at the Pervasive Media Studio? Are you interested in meeting our residents, talking about a specific project or curious about pervasive media? Why not pack a sandwich and join us for one of our Lunchtime Talks and Open Studio Friday.

Lunchtime Talks are informal presentations by Studio residents and associates. They normally take place at 1pm on Friday, are free and open to everybody who’s interested in what we do.

After the Talk, we also invite you to stay with us for the afternoon to continue the conversation or work on your own projects. We provide chairs, tables, wireless and a great space. You bring what you need to work with (laptop/mobile). Our open afternoons close at 5pm.

Let us know if you’d like a tour of the space and we'll be happy to show you around! Send an email to admin@pmstudio.co.uk