Process – Chuwypotter

First Eva Telematic Lunch

Telematic Lunch: Singapore

Welcome to the Telematic Lunch by Anam, Win Zaw, Mirei and Isaac. This project has gone through multiple amendments from the very beginning to this final video. During our brainstorming process, we had very interesting ideas that were very ambitious. Taking inspiration from A Hole in Space by Galloway and Rabinowitz, we had the idea of having a live match making session and third space dinner after. Win Zaw and Anam had the idea of a podcast with green screens exploring the idea of third-spaception (like inception, get it? haha). After much iterations, we decided on a telematic lunch, which had components of what we discussed pulled together to form this unique piece. Alas, we were the first artists who ate, played a few rounds of “never have I ever” and had a conversation with, along with an obvious cameo from a looping neon star in the outer third space on Win Zaw – a three layer third space a.k.a. Third-spaception.

As my friends and I highlighted that A Hole in Space was a huge inspiration for this piece, I would like to talk about how another piece/group, I felt, was a major contributor to our Telematic Lunch – Second Front and their Last Supper and Heist performances. I felt that what we did was heavily attributed to the exposure of Second Front’s work, in that we were all performing in the third space, had an alter-ego on board and had that very important element of improvisation in Telematic Lunch. Definitely we took it to the next level by incorporating ourselves in the piece and added layers to it with chroma-keying and ate and drank real food, which you think about now, is like eating a third space food, like that in the Last Supper. In that very similar aspect there was also an element of super-participation involved with 4 individuals interacting in their actual self in the third space instead of using animated personas which I thought was rather spectacular that we managed to incorporate in a live setting:)

Of course there goes without a doubt that we’ll face technical issues for our piece.

Space & Aligning

I was mostly involved in the adjustment of the spaces we were using to feed into our obs screen while everyone else set up the tables, chairs and cloth for the chroma-key. (you might ask why? I had a very good reason for that, I was getting the piping hot, cheesy, crust-zesty pizzas for our telematic lunch). So anyway, back to what I was doing. Adjusting the spaces was very tough albeit our previous live-test/rehearsal. Getting the angle right and distance from the phone/laptop to where we were sitting was crucial to creating a space where viewers could believe we are all sitting at the same table. We used the pizza boxes (cut into quadrants) as reference points for our alignment process. At the same time, we allowed for some misalignment to add to the fact that it was a chroma-keyed live feed but mostly because this was as best as we could align our screens.

Connections

This is where it got me frustrated. Yes, it is a given that running OBS and live feeds will cause latency to increase. However, as we inserted the live feed into the screen to make adjustments. It was such a pain because we had to wait for 20 seconds to a minute to be able to see the corrections. This further prolonged our set up time. To add on to that, there was a constant disruption to the live feed running in OBS and I had to always refresh the pages and that meant a realigning of the spaces to fit everyone in nicely. (Not turning my phone to airplane mode was also a disaster because I received 2-3 calls and this also disrupted my feed which explains multiple instances where you don’t see me in the screen:(

Here you can see an example of the disruption

Communication

One other interesting factor to our Telematic Lunch was that all of us could not see each other (except myself because I was managing the stream on OBS). This emulated the idea of being distant but at the same time connected in a third space as we explored human interaction in a collective space. The Big Kiss (by Annie Abrahams – featured strangers over the third space to kiss without any form of physical contact but largely by the aligning of their lips to make it look like they were kissing) was a very small but significant reference that contributed to the success of our Telematic lunch. As I write this, other examples came to mind. Virtual Reality is also very similar in the same way and I think this (physical interaction) is something that many manufacturers are looking into incorporating in the near future as this offers the user to interact in a real-world simulation setting.

We communicated via Skype so that everyone could play Never Have I Ever and also have a conversation together. This also allowed me to give instructions to my teammates on their body placement and gestures for our piece (as seen in the start and end of the video)

With all the technical difficulties faced, I must say that we did overcome them with much despair along the way but it was worth going through it. Because as I write this post, flashes of what was taught in class kept appearing and caused me to lose my train of thoughts. But, it is a good thing. It felt like we had experienced almost everything mentioned in class in one setting for our final project and we were able to experience first-hand how the artists felt during the course of executing their works, which more often than not, we do not get to see or read about.

This brings me to another point on improvisation and dealing with technical difficulties. Bold3rrr came to mind. Though not at all glitchy, Telematic Lunch has had multiple instances where I had to deal with our feed cutting off live and also interacting and performing. I was constantly going back and forth my phone screen and laptop and it really felt like what Jon Cates was going through, except he was much better experienced in dealing with them while I wasn’t. Much of my “panic” was due to huge latency involved. Whenever I have to refresh a page and readjust the placement of the feed, it takes 2-3 minutes just to get it back. On top of that, I am constantly hearing the feed from the live video and also our Skype conversation and this made it hard to identify which questions to reply because of the lag. So many thing were happening at once.

Nonetheless, this made me realise that this whole idea about live performance and in a third space is something like living inside your mind. Where there are constant disruptions (to your train of thoughts) and stuck in this void with endless possibilities that may or may not ruin your performance. In closing I would like to quote Liz from Second Front:

“The tech has really evolved and no one knows the boundaries and as tech emerges, it is important to keep in mind what this tech is doing and is absolutely rewiring the brain and there is a difference in how media is consumed in the social spaces online” Liz, Second Front live interview with Randall Parker, 2017.

And it is because of this – that we are only as capable as how we think, that I am confident we will see exponential progress in this field in the years to come as we are more exposed to third space performances since they are the visual articulation of our imagination.

Thank you to Mirei who did the setting up of the spaces and monitoring the collective feed on you mobile phone; Win Zaw for the awesome idea and green suit; anam for the leadership and direction as well as logistical support for making this a huge success! Many other smaller things they have done but I’ve listed the main ones here. Do view their posts to read in detail how they have contributed to this successful performance:)

Anam

Win Zaw

Mirei

At the end of it all, I felt that this was a really tiring but satisfying performance as I was able to experience the concepts Randall had gone through with us and this allowed me to better understand them and empathise with the artists who did their performances. Pizza was great, the company was awesome and I am happy with our result:) Thank you Randall for an amazing semester! Look forward to more pizzas:)

Telematic stroll – Isaac with Mirei (Singapore – Thailand)

Posted by Mirei Shirai on Saturday, 4 November 2017

So, we literally lived through 2 time zones at the same time. Mirei was having an awesome time in Thailand and I was busy with work at home. We decided to walk down the streets we are in during dusk to show the liveliness and change in the sky’s temperature over time. Obviously, thailand was more interesting to see than Singapore but perhaps that is because I am so used to how it is in Singapore all the years. And this made me realise how much I have taken for granted what is around me in my neighbourhood especially since the landscape is always changing. However, at the same time, this Facebook collaborative piece ignited my love to explore and travel. And I think there is something about doing a live piece at two very different places with different cultures that is so undermining yet impactful. It allows for two diverse cultures and the people interacting to experience the sights and sounds of both places. This opens up a whole new dimension where the mind is able to see far and beyond, perhaps driving new creative inspiration for oneself at the same time being therapeutic.

I think for the technicalities of this piece, nothing seriously wrong happened. Initially, I thought it would be good that we both talked and I’m glad we didn’t (except for parts where I commented on the video). I felt this worked out well because it allows both the user and viewers to experience the journey of cross dimensions peacefully. And yes, thankfully, Mirei’s phone held up just in time to last 15 minutes hahaha. This was fun! I’m thankful to have participated in this telematic stroll Randall:)

Research Critique: Interview with Second Front

11pm, 28th October. I was deciding if I should take a really quick shower before the interview starts or not. 11:01pm, with much itch to shower, I decided not to. And, I am so glad I did not. The interview with Second Front was so rich with passion and energy and just having that spirit to share, the members were unique in their own ways. It ended up with me wanting to hear more from them but the interview had to end and that was that.

The members started off sharing about their avatars and immediately, it amazed me. I mean, it wasn’t anything spectacular. The avatars were essentially alter egos of themselves, what they were free to identify themselves in Second Life. But, it was how they chose to represent themselves that intrigued me. Almost everyone introduced their avatars as something better and more positive rather than something unflattering. Liz was an agent, jeremy was a blue skinned alien Patrick was a cross between Steven Tyler and Andy Warhol. It all seemed to suggest that this virtual “third space” was like a safe haven for many and was offered the most freedom which ultimately sort of bring about a euphoric mood to the members when they are on Second Life.

On what it was like to perform in Second Life

Bibbe mentioned that imagination was the only limiter and what you wanted to be and do, could be accomplished with very low costs as compared to a live performance in a theatre. And this is so true. I think that, as artists, one of the facts that we have to admit is that we are arguably constrained by the big word – FUNDS. of course many do pull through this ordeal and emerge very well established but having being able to do as many things as close to what you had intended to for your art piece, means a lot to the artists.

On “virtual leakage”

When you have unlimited access (to the third space), it will set me lose – Bibbe. She goes on to say that “there is a certain dynamism between emotion and thought wherever you are when you are embodied in pixels”. What Bibbe mentioned was so interesting. I felt that she managed to encapsulate my impression of the third space so well. It felt so relatable. (And by the way, I just wanna say, she’s so cool!) This takes me to my next point on being in the virtual world.

Why does the pieces end up in abomination?

Since the third space (or if you like, Second Life) was free for all to do anything. Naturally, many people would have multiple interpretations as to what this space could be use for. Already when I first logged into Second Life, I see things like Halloween place, Gory places, Sexually suggestive places and all kinds of things that somewhat are socially agreeable by society as something as undesirable if you were to partake in real life. And this leads me to think that Second Life is a space for people to seek a harem of their inner desires. Jeremy mentioned that initially, it wasn’t clear what Second Life was for. And many immediately took this for another regular shoot ’em up site, like an RPG game. And this was one of the reasons to why Second Front decided to perform Grand Theft Avatar as a shooting (robbery) heist.

In conclusion, there were many points mentioned and it would take forever to continue on about it. But my 2 biggest takeaway was –

It brings out the bad in people don’t believe in and if you are likely to be obsessed in the virtual world, you would be in the real world as well – Bibbe
We feel things when we are in this spaces and there are (certainly) stakes – Patrick

I guess what I am trying to say is that the existence of the third space may not see detrimental effects. In that, while there could be instances where one may lose consciousness of the real world, really, there is a world of possibilities where you could explore new ideas and break existing laws to create new ones. I mean why would there be the word “possible” if there isn’t any to begin with? I think that this, not only Second Life, allows for the creation of new begins in society and this will develop as cultural norms shift over time. Cheers!

Research Critique – Second Front

When I first saw Second Front‘s art pieces, I was immediately reminded of the similarities to two popular games, SIMS and Grand Theft Auto. They all had this openness and free world with physics that defy reality.

Second Front is a group of individual who made a series of art performances on an online platform called Second Life. (I know, it’s confusing right?) In any case, what made their works unique was the collaboration between different individuals from different places coming together in a Third Space – super participation.

How is this anything special?

Firstly, being able to venture the free and open “world” allows one to try out many things that cannot be done in real life, because of the law of gravity and laws that govern us as good citizens. In Second Life, one can fly or kill without and ethical attribute. This, can both be good and bad.

You will then come to realised that this could be more good than bad. Good because you could satisfy a curiosity on what would happen is you did what could not be done in the real world, suffice to say, this satisfaction would lower the chances of someone committing offences.

However, at the extremes, this would mean the over-indulgence of the third space and marrying of the virtual world with reality. It could go both ways. One may so live in the online space so much so it feels so real or you could exercise the possibilities from the online space in the real world.

How does this apply to what we are doing in Internet Art and Culture?

I think this has everything to do with what are learning. We are in living in a society where everything is advancing so rapidly and see online platforms being a part of one’s life. Second Front confronts the nature of the open real world in Second Life. Of course their performances such as robbing a bank wasn’t just a random recording but somewhat pre-planned. From the artistic presentation to the events that occur throughout the heist definitely had to be planned out. This allows for viewers to be presented a real-world-fantasy.

If it is better improvised we will
probably do that. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. With
prerecorded performances, we can fine tune and edit out things we don’t
want the audience to see. But with improvised performances, the work
takes on a life of its own fueled by the creative energy of our players
which really shows through. Also, many times, it’s the surprises and
unintended actions that make the work really come alive!

-ALISE IBORG, A LEAP INTO THE VOID: INTERVIEW WITH SECOND FRONT, by Domenico Quaranta

In all, I think that more of such platform should be implemented to allow for more understanding of the values and occurrences in the real-world.

P.S. No matter how many times i read or look at their works, I still can’t get their names and the platform they are on right. Second Front, Second Life, so confusing haha!

Research critique: Jennicam

Prior to Jennicam, there were two other “live camera” web series (Trojan Room Coffee Camera and a fish camera) which were inspirations that Jenny borrowed from. The coffee camera allowed people in University of Cambridge (old computer laboratory) to know if there were still coffee in the dispenser so they don’t have to climb up 7 storeys for nothing. (superbly smart idea). Then there was the fish camera which literally just did like what the name suggests.

What initially struck me when I first review this piece was that it actually resembled that of a security guard watching from a panel a group of CCTVs.

And what Jennifer did was just that. An open surveillance into her personal life. What made this piece such a hit was the idea of letting the whole world into her life and without any form of pretentious factor. (or is it?)

In any case, Jenny confronted the idea of what privacy meant to her and more importantly, how significant it was to others when they watch it and think about it. She placed cameras around her house and did anything and everything she wanted to do like she would normally. And, this whole idea of doing nothing or just watching someone else do something was actually entertaining. People would tune in her broadcast while they did house chores.

And then I gathered that people were actually intrigued by what she does because firstly, they had some form of comparison as to what they were doing on a daily basis. Secondly, it invites curiosity from viewers to find out what she was doing and what she would do next. Thirdly, this allowed the viewers to get to know who Jenny was. What kind of a person she was from her behavior and the things that she does. And very often, these are all very relatable events that add up to why this was such a big thing then.

“In short, Ringley is the “Ed” of the Internet. She has dedicated her life to being an open book, a voluntarily Orwellian existence that allows strangers a peek of her at the height of passion, or more likely, sitting in front of her computer, staring blankly at the screen as she works at her real job, a freelance gig designing Web sites.” – By Jamie Allen
CNN Interactive Senior Writer

This has since inspired what we now call “V-logging” and and this time it allowed for more interaction with both viewers and users, with the vlogger talking through the screen and viewers leaving a comment. And I guess that the inquisitivity of human nature remains, only that now, the privacy that vloggers now face were greater and are subjected to more public scrutiny. This made them stronger as an individual and I guess this is something I think we would a want to take away from the live feeds we have been doing in this class as well. 🙂