Initiated by a team with extensive experience in carrying out artistic research projects in which multiple disciplines, technologies and hot social issues are intertwined, the project Arborescent – symbiotic practices observed in motion debuts with a series of activities addressed to children and the general public from three localities that do not normally enjoy access to contemporary performance art and cutting-edge technology: Marginea and Siret in Suceava county and Piatra Neamț. Inspired by the phenomenon of symbiosis in nature – from the extremely important role of mycelial networks in forests, to the complicated chains of interdependence between living things – Arborescent proposes a series of events and artistic products at the intersection of education, scientific research, VR technologies and interactive video-mapping, with the main objectives of making these concepts accessible to as diverse an audience as possible, breaking the barriers between generations, between traditional and ultramodern, opening a gateway to contemporary art and children suffering from deafblindness.
Seeking inspiration and conceptual foundation in the sphere of scientific research, the project started with a consultation with the biodiversity specialist, Alina Ionitawhich took place in the first half of July and will continue with the support Institute of Forestry Research and Management (ICAS) Brașov and in partnership with Carpaterra Association.
This period of reflection and research results in the attunement of artistic visions with phenomena in the sphere of ecology, opening the way to the collaborative production of four pieces of interactive video art inspired by specific aspects of local ecology, made by the initiator of the project, Cristina Bodnarescu. These artistic products can be thought of as complex video canvases, whose colors, shapes and textures are modified in real time by the presence of the public – art that can be entered into a dialogue with, art that explains itself through the connection it creates in directly with the viewer. These interactive video installations will also be accompanied by a musical universe created by the artist and musician George Urse.
At the same time, the artistic duo Aural Eye, consisting of Alina Anca and Daniel Bega, will make two real-time generative visuals with the theme of mycelium – visual expressions that respond to the movements and gestures of the audience. Cristina Bodnărescu will carry out a series of exchanges of ideas and content with the artist Ciprian Popacreating three other interactive graphics, configured around the ecological specifics, which will serve as a support for dance and technologically augmented movement workshops for children in the NE region of the country.
Moreover, these movement workshops are an essential component of the project Arborescentunited under the name Hydrosphere in motion and to be organized during a two-week tour in the month Julyoffering an innovative platform of interactive projections based on children’s movements, for about 170-190 students from the primary classes of some schools in Neamt stone, The edge, BIVOLARI and lace. Technology as a mediator between the physical and the digital body encourages the development of children’s cognitive and motor skills in an interactive and innovative way. Moving in front of the projection screen, children discover that their actions in the physical environment can give rise to fascinating digital forms and creations, being thus stimulated to explore new qualities of movement with their own body, but also in relation to others through exercises guided by Performer Oana Baluta and the creation of interactive visuals, Cristina Bodnarescu. A group of 15 deaf or hard of hearing students from the secondary school of Bivolarie Special Technological High School they will benefit from a dedicated workshop coordinated by Oana Băluță, then having access to the digital installation.
In the months July and August the production of an interactive artistic installation in Marginea will also materialize, which aims to make new media accessible and democratize access to EEG (electroencephalogram) technologies, in an artistic context that is also inspired by deep respect for local cultural traditions. Thus, the team will create an oversized version of the black jug from Marginea, a true symbol of the locality, together with craftsmen and artists from the area, and then the surface of the approximately 3-meter-high jug will be enlivened with an interactive video projection, whose content will responds in real time to the brain activity of the audience, by means of a compact non-invasive EEG system, which measures and visualizes the electrical activity in the multiple areas of the brain. Thus, EEG sensors make the transition from the medical scientific sphere to art, being at the same time connected to traditions. In parallel, a large interactive installation will be designed, composed of the video works made for the other stages of the project, in order to maintain interactivity throughout the evenings dedicated to the regional event.
Last but not least, in the month Octoberthe team will install Capsule of Good at the Technological High School “Vasile Gherasim” Marginea – an interactive capsule with VR technology, located in a more secluded space in the school, designed to support children in managing their own emotions. The VR experience created by Cristina Bodnărescu will transport students on a guided journey that will help them relax their mind and body, promote balance, calm and well-being.
So, the project Arborescent bears a name in perfect resonance with the mindsets and structure around which it is built: each branch mirrors all the others, the interdependence of the various activities and spheres of interest is highlighted by participation in any of them, and the artistic “crown” thus created is welcoming for people regardless of generation, cultural heritage, or physical ability. At the complicated intersection of tradition, science, technology and art, the ground for expression and communication proves particularly fertile.
Arborescent – symbiotic practices observed in motion is a project co-financed by the Administration of the National Cultural Fund (AFCN).
The project is initiated by Mulberry Projects and co-financed by Marginea Town Hall.
Partners: Marginea Commune City Hall, Institute of Forestry Research and Management (ICAS) Brașov, Technological High School “Vasile Gherasim” Marginea, High School no. 2 Marginea, Siret Cultural Center, Bivolărie Special Technological High School, Mișcarea de Piatră, Amural Association, Carpaterra Association.
Media partners: Radio Romania Cultural, IQads, Days and Nights, Metropolis newspaper, The Institute, Golan Magazine, Happ.ro, Mindcraft Stories, Iscoada, life.ro, Private Education.
The project does not necessarily represent the position of the National Cultural Fund Administration. AFCN is not responsible for the content of the project or how the results of the program may be used. These are entirely the responsibility of the beneficiary of the funding.
Source: www.iqads.ro
