Ottomata is an experiential design studio specialized in the conception of interactive installations and immersive journeys that sparks curiosity, and engage people through art. Their digital works aim to invite individuals into a space of reflection without dictating or guiding their experience, allowing them to freely observe, interact, and develop their own personal insights.

By creating sentient environments that react to the public’s physicality and let them express themselves with their body, giving power back to the audience to explore any content at their own pace. In this talk, the cofounders will share their approach to crafting these experience through their vision of what they call the zero moment, the moment where the public should be able to step inside an artwork and instantaneously suspend their disbelief.

Ottomata are:

HUGO LALIBERTÉ
Hugo Laliberté is a creative programmer in the field of interactive and experiential digital art. He currently co-directs the Ottomata Montreal Experiential Studio, developing his works around the spectator and the capacity to act. 

With a background in electrical engineering, advanced programming, and music, he began experimenting with interactive media in 2013 and obtained a Bachelor's Degree from the Université du Québec à Montréal. It was at this time that he co-founded his first artist collective with which he exhibited at the Chromatic Festival, the Society for Arts and Technology, the Livart Gallery, and the Jutra Awards Gala. His work has been featured across Canada, Dubai, Paris, Aix-en-Provence, UK and Tokyo.

JONATHAN JEANSON
A creator and a craftsman, Jonathan Jeanson is primarily a control electrician and electronics technician by training. With a deep technical understanding, he approaches digital art differently, almost without feasibility barriers. His work explores the limits and methods of detecting and involving the body as an interface in digital installations.

Montreal-based creative studios approach him specifically for his broad understanding of interactivity and its technical constraints. He completed several international projects involving a variety of sensors and customized interfaces. Since 2017, he has been co-directing Ottomata with Hugo Laliberté. 

Join us online on YouTube Live, or in the building on Friday 31st January 2024 at 1pm for the talk and to take part in the Q and A discussion afterwards. 

The Pervasive Media Studio is a partnership between the Watershed, University of the West of England and University of Bristol. The lunchtime talks are partly supported by MyWorld, a project led by the University of Bristol to support creative industries in the region. Watershed is supported by Arts Council England.

Address:
Watershed, 1 Canon's Rd, Bristol BS1 5TX

Directions:
The Lunchtime talks take place in the Pervasive Media Studio Event Space. To access the Studio, please go to the Main Watershed Box Office entrance and go upstairs to the Café Bar. Walk across the cafe bar, turn right and walk towards the double doors. Go through into the corridor and walk all the way down until you reach the Studio. A member of staff will sign you in, and check your ticket, if you have booked.

The Studio is wheelchair accessible, and the events space has a hearing loop. The last talk of every month is BSL interpreted. 

For more information on accessing the studio take a look here.

*Please note this is a hybrid event and will be live streamed so please be aware you will be in the live broadcast and recording when watching in the Studio.