»Kontaktstation« is an interactive media installation by Michael Markert that translates the intensity of skin contact, allowing for up to five people to create harmonized, rhythmic music through touch. The work is shown at Kinetica Museum in London Old Spitalfields Market from the 18th of May to the 29th of June.
The primary focus of the work is on inviting participants to engage in skin-to-skin contact and discover that various contact points produce distinct sounds. Skin contact, both within and beyond socially acceptable forms like handshaking, is explored in the context of privacy, intimacy, distance, and public conventions. The work delves into our apprehension and necessity of physical contact. Beyond the communicative situation of the acting recipients, the auditory layer creates a cybernetic feedback loop that modifies the quality of touches. It’s evident that soft and soothing instrumental qualities produce a different form of touch compared to rhythmic or shorter samples.
The interactive design collective body > data > space showcased Kontaktstation with a performance on opening night.
Michael Markert’s works have been featured in Cybersonica 07 with three works on display. In addition to Kontaktstation, two interactive talking machines, Kempelen 2.1 and 2.2, can be operated from both sides of the gallery window. These interactive installations are currently on display until June 29th, 2007 at Kinetica Museum in London, UK at the vibrant Old Spitalfields Market.
»The second Markert piece, “Kontaktstation”, was hard to miss with its five blue wristbands dangling from the ceiling in the centre of the room and everyone using it touching each other so much. They weren’t inappropriately displaying affection in public, mind you, it was the way to make the exhibit generate sound. With one person connected to the centre tether and 1-4 people connected to the outside cords, everyone touches everyone else’s hands to produce a wide range of tones. Skin acts as the synthesizer in this playful work that brings strangers closer together and fights the notion that digital art and electronic music are synonymous with alienation.« Londonist, May 22, 2007
Exhibition
- Cybersonica SOUNDWAVES at Kinetica Museum, Old Spitalfields Market, London
18th May to 29th June 2007, opened from Wednesday to Sunday, Entry is free
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