Folk Computer: DMA Recital Installation

Instrumentation: Folk Computer installation, stereo electronics, projector, macbook

Duration: Indefinite

For my DMA Recital, 𝘗𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘳 • 𝘈𝘪𝘳 • 𝘓𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 (March 18 at the Dancz Center for New Music blackbox theatre), I set up an interactive Folk Computer installation in the hallway outside the blackbox. It served both as a Brian Eno-style generative/ambient audio installation as well as an interactive exhibit for passersby and those waiting to enter the hall.

The installation was a supplement to the traditional paper/digital recital program, with the Folk Computer platform enabling me to create projection-mapped QR codes which served as a means of navigating a digital exhibit concerning the various pieces on the program. (This concept of a broader exhibit surrounding a musical concert or event falls into the category of “hypermusic” coined by Paulo de Assis).

By interacting with the QR codes on the table, visitors could learn more about each piece on the program in addition to triggering reactive audio cues that contribute to the generative soundscape.

The Folk Computer installation handled the table-top projection mapping and registered the presence/occlusion of the QR code programs on the table. These programs, in turn, directed Folk to project custom graphics onto the table and to send OSC messages to a Max patch running on a macbook in the ceiling space of the hallway. This macbook drove the wall-facing projector graphics and the audio running to the two nearfield monitors.