This
is an experimental music installation without using
conventional mains supply, it is powered by renewable
and natural energy resourses. The performance is part
of a project commission by Folly digital arts for
the Grow Your Own Media Lab project, which seeks to
promote the use of open source free computer software,
recycled and salvaged items.
The piece investigates the human need for electricity,
and highlights the massive global and environmental
effect of the consumption of power by big business
and the public. The piece also explores how dependant
the sun is to the planet and how global warming is
directly affecting the sun.
The performance will be directed and governed by a
web cam tracking the suns movement and intensity,
and is complemented by light, wind and temperature
sensors modulating oscillators, as well as triggering
various audio samples, to create an interesting soundscape
of the surrounding environment. These will communicate
to Pure Data software which p-tex has programmed specifically
for the installation.
The performance will also be broadcast on line for
those who are unable to attend, it will take place
from around 5.30pm - 8.30pm with the main performance
being at 7.30.pm.. Details of which will be available
on the Folly (www.folly.co.uk) and p-tex website (www.p-tex.co.uk).
The streaming of the performance has also been part
of the GYOML research project which was commissioned
to Nick Holme http://www.thepcprofessor.co.uk/edupress/.
Nick has put together research documentation for Folly
as to how artists, performers and musicians can broadcast
and get their work to a wider audience using the latest
open source free software using Linux as their operating
system. Nick has assisted p-tex to achieve the broadcast
of the performance.
The commission from Folly is part of the GYOML, short
for Grow Your Own Media Lab, and is a project initiatied
by Access Space which is a trans-regional action research
project that aims to investigate, improve and document
low cost, participatory, open source media labs.for
community use across England. GYOML also develops
online resources and a network of mutual support and
collaboration, to help other organisations to grow
their own media labs. Their ethos is to develop media
labs as places to access learning opportunities, inspiration,
collaboration, skill-sharing and community involvement.
It is commited to the use of open source software
and the use of no cost, or very low cost recycled
technology. GYOML also promotes continuous skill development
and skill sharing whilst working closely with the
community, providing accessible ways for people to
get actively involved in digital media production.
and hosts ongoing communication between participants,
organisations and artists via a GYOML web forum.
To
find out how the experiment went click
here for more info