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Luma Sonic Revolutions

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posted on 2024-11-27, 02:44 authored by John FergusonJohn Ferguson, Nicole Carroll

Luma Sonic Revolutions (LSR) is a 3-channel video and multichannel sound installation. The goal is to showcase three handmade instruments that are performed via matches, candles, and rotating filters. The instrument’s raw output is mixed with real-time generative and acousmatic processing built in Max and Ableton software. In jumping from black screen to naked flame while leaping from barely audible match strike to a burst of synthesised sound, we are exploring extreme dynamic range, light sensitive electronics, and the physical qualities of scale and iteration. The video cube setup disrupts traditional cinematic and performance norms, placing activities around and behind the audience. Overall, the intensity of the sound and visuals is designed to create an immersive sensory experience.

For a single screen demo of all elements and "in the space" documentation from ICMC 2024 see: https://www.nhojelocin.com/2024/10/31/luma-sonic-revolutions-lsr/


Funding

Academic Study Programme (ASP) 2024, Griffith University

History

ERA Category

  • Original Creative Work - Musical Composition

Eligible major research output?

  • Yes

Research Statement

Research Background The research field is sound/video installation. We are specifically exploring what Louise Harris has termed “expanded audiovisual formats”. Key practitioners/works in this field include Christian Marclay’s “Video Quartet” and “Crossfire” as well as Louise Harris’s “Alocas”. We also draw from the kinetic sculpture of Arthur Ganson, the sound/installation of Zimoun, and Myriam Bleau’s “Soft Revolvers”. The aim is to 1) celebrate performative gestures in an audiovisual context, and 2) initiate a sonic dialogue between bespoke hardware synthesis and computer-based audio processing. The research question is: what might our bespoke interactive instruments become in a fixed media/installation context? Research Contribution Luma Sonic Revolutions (LSR) is a 3-channel video and multichannel sound installation. The goal is to showcase three handmade instruments that are performed via matches, candles, and rotating filters. The instrument’s raw audio is mixed with real-time generative and acousmatic processing built in Max and Ableton software. In jumping from black screen to naked flame while leaping from barely audible match strike to a burst of synthesised sound, we are exploring extreme dynamic range, light sensitive electronics, and the physical qualities of scale and iteration. The video cube setup disrupts traditional cinematic and performance norms, placing activities around and behind the audience. Overall, the intensity of the sound and visuals is designed to create an immersive sensory experience. Research Significance LSR was double-blind peer-reviewed by an international jury and chosen for inclusion in the International Computer Music Conference (ICMC) 2024 in Seoul, South Korea. ICMC was hosted by Hanyang University College of Music and CREAMA (Center for Research in Electro-Acoustic Music and Audio). LSR was installed at Hanyang University Museum and had sole use of its open video cube and immersive sound system throughout ICMC.

Publisher

International Computer Music Conference (ICMC) 2024

Place of publication

Seoul, South Korea

Copyright notes

© 2024 John Ferguson and Nicole Carroll

Was the work disseminated?

  • Yes

Form of dissemination

  • Public performance

Scope of dissemination

  • International

Venue

Hanyang University Museum