10.2 Telematic and networked performances
9 min read•august 21, 2024
Telematic performances blend technology and live art, pushing the boundaries of traditional stage-based shows. These innovative works explore presence, space, and across vast distances, challenging our understanding of Performance Art.
From early satellite experiments to today's immersive virtual reality environments, telematic art has evolved with telecommunications technology. Artists now use video conferencing, live streaming, and custom platforms to create unique, interactive experiences that redefine the relationship between performers and audiences.
Origins of telematic performance
- Telematic performances emerged as a revolutionary form of artistic expression in Performance Art, blending technology and live performance
- Explores the intersection of telecommunications, art, and human interaction, pushing boundaries of traditional stage-based performances
- Challenges conventional notions of presence, space, and audience participation in Performance Art
Early experiments in networked art
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- Pioneering artists in the 1970s and 1980s utilized satellite technology to create intercontinental performances
- Nam June Paik's "Good Morning, Mr. Orwell" (1984) connected performers across multiple countries in a live broadcast
- Early experiments focused on overcoming geographical barriers and creating shared artistic experiences
- Artists explored the potential of telephone networks for creating audio art and interactive soundscapes
Influence of telecommunications technology
- Advent of the internet in the 1990s revolutionized telematic art, enabling real-time audio and video connections
- ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) technology allowed for higher quality audio and video transmissions
- Mobile devices and wireless networks expanded possibilities for location-based and participatory telematic performances
- Telecommunications advancements led to the development of specialized software and platforms for networked art creation
Key concepts in telematic performance
- Telematic performances fundamentally reshape the relationship between performers, audience, and space in Performance Art
- Challenges traditional notions of presence and physicality in artistic expression
- Explores new forms of artistic collaboration and audience engagement across vast distances
Presence and absence
- Telematic art blurs the line between physical and , creating a sense of ""
- Performers can simultaneously exist in multiple spaces, challenging the concept of a singular, localized performance
- Absence becomes a creative element, with performers interacting with virtual representations or traces of others
- Explores the tension between bodily presence and digital representation in artistic expression
Time and space compression
- Telematic performances collapse geographical distances, allowing instant communication between remote locations
- Creates a sense of shared "now" across different time zones and cultural contexts
- Challenges linear notions of time by allowing for asynchronous interactions and layered temporalities
- Redefines the concept of "stage" to include multiple physical and virtual spaces simultaneously
Interactivity and participation
- Audience members become active participants, often able to influence or co-create the performance in real-time
- Telematic art explores new forms of human-computer interaction and networked collaboration
- Challenges the traditional divide between performer and spectator, creating more fluid and dynamic roles
- Incorporates elements of gaming, social media, and interactive technologies to engage audiences across distances
Technologies for networked performances
- Technological advancements have significantly expanded the possibilities for telematic performances in Performance Art
- Integration of various digital tools and platforms allows for more complex and immersive networked experiences
- Continuous evolution of technology presents both opportunities and challenges for artists working in this medium
Video conferencing platforms
- Popular platforms (Zoom, Skype, Google Meet) adapted for artistic use in telematic performances
- Enables multi-participant video interactions, screen sharing, and virtual backgrounds for creative expression
- Artists exploit glitches, lag, and other platform quirks as aesthetic elements in their performances
- Custom solutions built on WebRTC technology allow for more tailored and controlled video interactions
Live streaming services
- Platforms (YouTube Live, Twitch, Facebook Live) provide accessible ways to broadcast performances to large audiences
- Incorporates real-time chat and audience interaction features, enabling new forms of participation
- Allows for monetization of performances through donations, subscriptions, or pay-per-view models
- Artists experiment with multi-platform streaming to reach diverse audiences and create layered experiences
Virtual reality environments
- VR platforms (VRChat, Mozilla Hubs) offer immersive 3D spaces for telematic performances
- Allows for the creation of fantastical or impossible performance environments
- Avatars and motion capture technology enable new forms of embodiment and representation
- Explores the potential of haptic feedback and spatial audio for more immersive audience experiences
Artistic approaches to telematic performance
- Telematic performances in Performance Art encompass a wide range of artistic strategies and conceptual approaches
- Artists explore the unique affordances of networked technologies to create innovative performance experiences
- Challenges traditional notions of authorship, spectatorship, and the boundaries of the performance space
Distributed performances
- Performances occur simultaneously across multiple physical locations, connected through digital networks
- Explores the concept of a "" where performers collaborate across vast distances
- Incorporates local audiences at each site, creating a hybrid of physical and virtual spectatorship
- Challenges notions of centralized control in performance, often embracing emergent and unpredictable elements
Remote collaboration techniques
- Artists develop strategies for rehearsing and performing together while physically separated
- Utilizes shared digital workspaces, cloud-based tools, and version control systems for collaborative creation
- Explores methods, allowing for contributions across different time zones
- Incorporates AI and generative algorithms as collaborative partners in the creative process
Audience as co-creators
- Telematic performances often invite active audience participation and input
- Utilizes social media, mobile apps, and custom interfaces to gather audience contributions
- Explores crowdsourcing techniques to generate performance content or influence narrative directions
- Challenges the distinction between performer and audience, creating more fluid and participatory experiences
Notable telematic performance artists
- Pioneering artists in telematic performance have significantly shaped the development of this form in Performance Art
- Their work explores diverse themes and pushes the boundaries of technology and artistic expression
- Influences extend beyond telematic art, impacting broader conversations about technology, connectivity, and human interaction
Kit Galloway and Sherrie Rabinowitz
- Pioneered early satellite-based telematic performances in the 1970s and 1980s
- Created "Hole in Space" (1980), connecting public spaces in New York and Los Angeles via live video link
- Explored concepts of "electronic café" and virtual communities in their long-term projects
- Influenced generations of artists working with telecommunications and networked performance
Paul Sermon
- Renowned for his telematic installations exploring themes of embodiment and presence
- Created "Telematic Dreaming" (1992), a bed-based installation connecting remote participants through video projection
- Utilizes chroma key technology to create shared virtual spaces for performance and interaction
- Explores the intersection of intimacy, technology, and public/private spaces in his work
Annie Abrahams
- Focuses on the glitches, miscommunications, and human elements of networked performance
- Created "Angry Women" series, exploring female rage through distributed online performances
- Emphasizes the importance of protocols and constraints in structuring telematic collaborations
- Investigates themes of intimacy, vulnerability, and connection in online environments
Challenges in telematic performances
- Telematic performances in Performance Art face unique technical and artistic challenges
- Artists must navigate the limitations of technology while maintaining artistic integrity and audience engagement
- These challenges often become integral to the aesthetic and conceptual aspects of telematic works
Technical limitations and glitches
- Network latency and bandwidth issues can disrupt timing and synchronization in performances
- Video and audio compression artifacts may affect the visual and sonic quality of the work
- Platform-specific limitations (participant limits, time restrictions) constrain artistic possibilities
- Artists often incorporate glitches, lags, and technical failures as aesthetic elements or thematic content
Synchronization issues
- Maintaining temporal alignment across multiple sites and time zones presents significant challenges
- Audio delays can disrupt musical performances and spoken dialogue in distributed ensembles
- Visual lag may affect choreographed movements and gestural interactions between remote performers
- Artists develop strategies (visual cues, shared metronomes) to mitigate synchronization problems
Audience engagement across distances
- Maintaining a sense of presence and connection with geographically dispersed audiences
- Balancing the experience of local audiences with those participating remotely
- Developing effective feedback mechanisms for audience interaction in virtual environments
- Addressing issues of digital fatigue and maintaining attention in online performance contexts
Aesthetics of networked performances
- Telematic performances have developed unique aesthetic approaches within Performance Art
- Artists explore the visual, auditory, and experiential qualities specific to networked environments
- These aesthetics often reflect broader cultural shifts in our relationship to technology and virtual spaces
Visual composition in split screens
- Utilizes multi-window layouts to juxtapose performers and spaces from different locations
- Explores the aesthetics of video compression, pixelation, and digital artifacts
- Incorporates green screen and compositing techniques to create shared virtual environments
- Experiments with asymmetrical and dynamic screen layouts to reflect the distributed nature of the performance
Sound design for distributed spaces
- Addresses challenges of audio synchronization and latency in networked performances
- Explores the creative potential of echo, feedback, and layered soundscapes across multiple sites
- Utilizes spatial audio techniques to create immersive sonic environments for remote audiences
- Incorporates ambient sounds from multiple locations to create a sense of shared acoustic space
Digital vs physical presence
- Explores the aesthetic tension between embodied performers and their digital representations
- Utilizes avatars, motion capture, and real-time animation to create hybrid physical-digital presences
- Investigates the visual and performative qualities of telepresence robots and remote-controlled devices
- Examines the aesthetics of absence and traces left by performers in virtual environments
Cultural implications of telematic art
- Telematic performances in Performance Art reflect and comment on broader cultural shifts in the digital age
- Explores themes of globalization, connectivity, and the changing nature of human interaction
- Raises important questions about access, representation, and the role of technology in artistic expression
Global connectivity in performance
- Enables cross-cultural collaborations and exchanges between artists from diverse backgrounds
- Explores themes of cultural hybridity and global identity in networked performances
- Challenges traditional notions of local and national artistic traditions
- Investigates the potential for creating global performance communities and shared virtual spaces
Digital divide considerations
- Addresses issues of unequal access to technology and high-speed internet across different regions
- Explores creative solutions for including participants with limited technological resources
- Raises questions about representation and exclusion in globally networked art practices
- Examines the environmental impact and sustainability of technology-dependent art forms
Shifting notions of liveness
- Challenges traditional definitions of "live" performance in the context of mediated and networked experiences
- Explores the concept of "live" in asynchronous or time-shifted telematic performances
- Investigates the role of documentation and replay in extending the lifespan of networked artworks
- Examines how audience perceptions of authenticity and presence are affected by telematic mediation
Future trends in networked performances
- Emerging technologies are shaping the future direction of telematic performances in Performance Art
- Artists and researchers explore new possibilities for enhancing connectivity and immersion in networked experiences
- These trends reflect broader societal shifts towards increased digitalization and virtual interaction
5G and enhanced connectivity
- Ultra-low latency and high bandwidth of 5G networks enable more seamless real-time interactions
- Allows for higher quality video and audio transmissions in mobile and contexts
- Enables more complex and data-intensive telematic performances incorporating multiple media streams
- Expands possibilities for large-scale, distributed performances across urban environments
AI-assisted performances
- Incorporation of artificial intelligence as collaborative partners or co-performers in telematic works
- Utilizes machine learning algorithms for real-time generation of text, music, or visual elements
- Explores the potential of AI for translating and mediating between human performers across languages and cultures
- Raises questions about authorship, creativity, and the nature of performance in human-AI collaborations
Haptic feedback integration
- Development of tactile interfaces and wearable devices for transmitting touch and physical sensations
- Explores new dimensions of intimacy and embodiment in telematic performances
- Enables more immersive audience experiences through haptic feedback in virtual reality environments
- Investigates the potential for creating shared physical experiences across distances
Critical analysis of telematic works
- Scholarly and artistic discourse surrounding telematic performances in Performance Art continues to evolve
- Critical analysis examines the aesthetic, philosophical, and sociopolitical implications of networked art practices
- Raises important questions about the nature of performance, presence, and human connection in the digital age
Embodiment in virtual spaces
- Examines how performers and audiences experience and express embodiment in digital environments
- Explores the concept of the "virtual body" and its relationship to physical corporeality
- Investigates how gender, race, and identity are performed and perceived in telematic contexts
- Analyzes the phenomenology of presence and absence in networked performance experiences
Authenticity vs mediation
- Examines the tension between "authentic" live performance and technologically mediated experiences
- Explores how notions of authenticity are redefined in the context of virtual and distributed performances
- Investigates the role of the interface and technological apparatus in shaping perceptions of realness
- Analyzes how glitches, lags, and other digital artifacts affect the perceived authenticity of telematic works
Redefining performer-audience relationships
- Examines how telematic performances challenge traditional boundaries between performers and spectators
- Explores new models of co-creation and participatory art in networked environments
- Investigates the ethical implications of audience involvement and data collection in interactive works
- Analyzes how telematic art reflects and shapes broader cultural shifts in social interaction and connectivity
Key Terms to Review (23)
911: the world trade center project: The 911: the world trade center project refers to the artistic and commemorative response following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, when the World Trade Center was attacked and collapsed. This project includes various performances, installations, and multimedia expressions that aim to process grief, explore loss, and foster dialogue about trauma in the aftermath of this devastating event. It highlights the intersection of art and collective memory, showcasing how performances can serve as a means of healing and reflection in times of crisis.
Ai-assisted performances: AI-assisted performances refer to artistic presentations that incorporate artificial intelligence technologies to enhance or create elements of the work. This can include anything from AI-generated visuals and sounds to interactive components that respond to live audience input. By merging human creativity with AI capabilities, these performances push the boundaries of traditional art forms, offering unique experiences and exploring new themes.
Asynchronous collaboration: Asynchronous collaboration refers to a method of working together where participants contribute to a shared project or discussion at different times, rather than in real-time. This approach allows individuals to work according to their own schedules, facilitating deeper reflection and more thoughtful contributions, especially in contexts where immediate feedback isn't possible. It is particularly significant in digital environments, where geographical barriers can prevent real-time interaction.
Audience participation: Audience participation refers to the active involvement of viewers or spectators in a performance, breaking the traditional barrier between performers and the audience. This interaction can take many forms, such as inviting spectators on stage, encouraging them to engage with the work in various ways, or making them an integral part of the performance itself. This concept has evolved through different movements and styles, reshaping the dynamics of how art is experienced and interpreted.
Co-presence: Co-presence refers to the experience of being together with others in a shared space, whether physical or virtual, where interactions and connections occur. In the context of telematic and networked performances, co-presence becomes crucial as it influences how participants perceive and engage with one another, even when they are geographically distant. This phenomenon can create a sense of community and shared experience that enhances the overall performance.
Cybernetics: Cybernetics is the interdisciplinary study of systems, control, and communication in animals and machines. It focuses on how systems self-regulate and adapt through feedback loops, which is vital for understanding the interactions within telematic and networked performances where technology and human actions interconnect in real-time.
Digital divide: The digital divide refers to the gap between individuals and communities that have access to modern information and communication technologies and those that do not. This divide can exist due to socioeconomic factors, geographic location, or educational background, impacting how people engage with digital performance and telematic art forms. Understanding this gap is crucial for ensuring equitable access to digital resources, which are increasingly integral to contemporary performance practices.
Digital embodiment: Digital embodiment refers to the representation of physical bodies and experiences through digital mediums, allowing for the interaction and engagement of performers and audiences in virtual environments. This concept connects the physical act of performance with digital technology, enabling new forms of expression and interaction that transcend geographical barriers and traditional stage settings.
Digital platforms: Digital platforms are online environments that facilitate interactions, exchanges, and the sharing of content among users. They serve as a framework for various activities such as communication, collaboration, and performance in the digital space, allowing artists to engage with audiences in innovative ways. These platforms can include social media sites, streaming services, and interactive applications that enhance the experience of performances and events.
Dispersed ensemble: A dispersed ensemble refers to a group of performers who are geographically separated yet collaborate to create a unified performance experience. This concept often relies on technology, such as the internet or telecommunication tools, to connect artists in different locations, allowing for real-time interaction and shared artistic expression. The resulting performances can transcend traditional boundaries of space and time, engaging audiences in innovative ways that challenge conventional notions of presence and participation.
Haptic feedback integration: Haptic feedback integration refers to the use of tactile sensations to enhance user interaction within digital environments, allowing performers and audiences to engage with virtual elements through touch. This technology enriches telematic and networked performances by creating a more immersive experience, making the audience feel connected not just visually and audibly, but also through physical sensations. Haptic feedback can simulate textures, impacts, or motions, enhancing the emotional impact and interactivity of performance art.
Interactivity: Interactivity refers to a dynamic process where participants engage and respond to the actions or inputs of others, creating a two-way exchange rather than a one-sided experience. This concept is crucial in performance art as it emphasizes the relationship between the performer and the audience, blurring traditional boundaries and fostering a shared experience. Interactivity can manifest through various forms, such as audience participation, technology-mediated engagement, and collaborative creation, enhancing the overall experience of the performance.
Live-streamed art: Live-streamed art refers to the practice of performing or presenting artistic work in real-time through digital platforms, allowing audiences to engage with the performance from remote locations. This form of art utilizes technology to bridge distances, creating a shared experience for viewers and performers despite geographical separation. It is a significant evolution in how art can be experienced, as it opens up new possibilities for audience interaction and global reach.
Postmodernism: Postmodernism is an artistic and cultural movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by a questioning of traditional narratives, conventions, and ideologies. It often embraces fragmentation, parody, and the blending of different styles and media, reflecting the complexities of contemporary society. This movement is significant in various art forms, challenging established norms and emphasizing individual experience.
Rafael lozano-hemmer: Rafael Lozano-Hemmer is a Mexican-Canadian media artist known for his innovative work in the field of interactive art and technology. He creates installations and performances that often utilize telematic systems, engaging audiences in a dialogue that blurs the line between physical and digital spaces. His projects explore themes such as surveillance, identity, and the human experience within a technologically driven world.
Remote collaboration: Remote collaboration refers to the process of individuals or groups working together on a project or performance from different physical locations, using technology to communicate and share resources. This method allows artists and performers to connect across distances, creating a blend of their creative inputs in real-time or asynchronously. It highlights the possibilities of combining diverse talents and perspectives, fostering innovation in performance art.
Remote performance: Remote performance refers to a live performance that takes place through digital platforms, allowing artists and audiences to connect from different locations. This practice has gained prominence with advancements in technology, enabling the use of video conferencing, streaming, and other digital media to create immersive experiences. Remote performance transcends geographical barriers and fosters collaboration among artists globally, enriching the overall landscape of performance art.
Surveillance: Surveillance refers to the monitoring and observation of individuals, groups, or environments, often using technology to collect data and information. In the context of telematic and networked performances, surveillance can create a complex interplay between performer and audience, as well as raise questions about privacy, agency, and control. The ways in which surveillance manifests in performance can impact how art is experienced and understood, revealing the implications of being watched or monitored in real-time.
Telepresence: Telepresence refers to the technology that allows a person to feel as if they are present in a location different from their actual physical location, often using video conferencing and virtual reality tools. This immersive experience enables real-time interaction with remote participants or environments, enhancing communication and collaboration across distances. Telepresence has transformed performance art by creating new avenues for artists to connect and engage with audiences in innovative ways.
The internet performance art movement: The internet performance art movement refers to a wave of artistic expression that utilizes the internet as a medium for performance, allowing artists to engage with audiences in real-time across geographical boundaries. This movement is characterized by the integration of technology, interactivity, and digital environments, transforming traditional notions of performance and audience participation. It emphasizes the unique capabilities of the internet, such as instant communication and global reach, enabling artists to create immersive experiences that challenge conventional art forms.
The Yes Men: The Yes Men are a group of activists and artists known for their satirical performances that aim to critique and expose corporate malpractices and social injustices. By impersonating representatives of powerful organizations, they create staged events that highlight the absurdities of corporate culture and provoke public discourse. Their work embodies the spirit of performance art by merging humor with serious commentary on global issues, making them significant in various realms of performance art.
Video conferencing software: Video conferencing software is a digital platform that enables real-time audio and video communication between multiple users over the internet. This technology facilitates remote collaboration, allowing participants to engage in meetings, performances, and presentations regardless of their physical locations. Its capabilities often include screen sharing, chat functions, and recording features, making it an essential tool for telematic and networked performances.
Virtual presence: Virtual presence refers to the experience of being present in a digital or virtual environment, often facilitated by technology that creates the illusion of real-time interaction. This concept is crucial in understanding how individuals engage with one another and with performances in online settings, impacting the dynamics of connection, communication, and immersion in various digital contexts.