mieeiraa

[mieeiraa]

Live streaming!

From the result of my final project for Real Time Expression; online streaming with a virtual avatar, I will continue to conduct streaming activities on my Twitch channel: https://www.twitch.tv/meira_ch

Looking forward to see you there!

[mieeiraa]

Designing Sensorial Experience [ASSIGNMENT 3]

As discussed within the project proposal, the concept and form of live performance that I will work on is online streaming as referenced to PLAVE’s conduct of live streams in Assignment 1.

Utilizing a digital platform to maximize the audience interaction in real time, it is much more versatile to execute compared to setting up a physical project that will limit the number of audience who are able to experience and interact with the artwork.

Technology Application

During the preparation phase, the software I have used include Adobe Illustrator to create various stream assets, Adobe After Effects to animate parts of the assets and render them as a video, and lastly Krita, used to create my own illustration of the avatar that will represent myself.

During the execution phase, the software I have used before I was able to start streaming include OBS Studio to compose the different scenes used during the stream, StreamLabs plugin for OBS Studio to utilize their built in widgets, and not to forget Veadotube mini to animate my audio reactive avatar and import them into OBS Studio to represent my reactions in real time via simple animations.

It was also crucial for me to learn how to set up or schedule a stream on streaming platforms, which is on YouTube’s creator studio and Twitch’s creator dashboard. I have selected these two major streaming platforms as it is much more accessible for viewers to join the broadcast, and the fact that the streaming community is considered quite large on these platforms.

Asset Preparations

Asset preparation is a must since that is how one will brand and market themselves to the audience. Creating a memorable first impression and communicating via visuals will help people distinguish you from other streamers with ease, and it will establish your image as an online streamer. The assets in question include:

Avatar

Stream Layout

Background Music

Avatars to represent myself, drawn in Krita

Assets created are imported into OBS Studio and composed into their specific scenes

Streaming Platform: Twitch

Twitch is an American video live-streaming service that focuses on video game live streaming, including broadcasts of esports competitions, in addition to offering music broadcasts, creative content, and "in real life" streams.

After conducting my own test streams to test out the different platforms (YouTube and Twitch), I made my final decision and decided to proceed with my streaming activities on Twitch instead. The reason being the pros outweigh the cons. 

One of them includes the Stream Manager panel, an all-in-one toolbox for streamers as all information regarding the demographics and statistics of the stream are displayed in real time. You can get an overview of your channel’s growth and stream progress, all within a tab.

Twitch's Stream Manager panel layout on the website

The ability to import and instantly utilize ready-made widgets created by other streamers and content creators is something that I find very helpful for first-time streamers such as myself. It saves time and becomes less time consuming when it comes to preparing your stream set up before a broadcast. 

The abundance of plug-ins on the platform itself offers multiple possibilities to make one’s live stream engaging to the viewers. Mini games extensions are commonly used to add a wow factor to your overall stream. There are also extensions that serve as a tool to ease your moderation on the stream itself, making it much more manageable even if you were to stream alone and act as a moderator simultaneously.

However, one feature that is not available on the platform is the ability to schedule your stream beforehand, similar to YouTube’s features when setting up a broadcast for a later time. Instead of setting up the broadcast for another time, it does offer a built-in schedule that can be edited to constantly update your preferred stream schedule online.  

Target Audience and Marketability

A rule of thumb for content creators is to get to know your target audience based on the content you aim to deliver. Understanding their expectations will help one to plan ahead on the execution of the broadcast, ensuring that what you wish to convey is done properly.

Taking into account the marketability of online streaming, there are various instances on how one can monetize the activity and create an income from streaming alone. The most prominent example we can see in recent years is “V-tubing”. There has been an influx on the job itself where many people started to pick it up as an actual occupation. Many agencies were established worldwide, and some even recruited talents from the other side of the world, marketing this as a job opportunity for those who are interested.

While the act of live streaming is not limited nor restricted to becoming entertainers, one can use the concept to deliver various and diverse forms of content to viewers. Even within the entertainment industry, this concept has been long used to maximize the viewership rate of a program. Reality and survival shows often use this method to increase views while allowing international fans to take part in real time. 

Just like in Assignment 1, PLAVE’s method of executing their concert via live streaming on the second day created a stronger bond with worldwide fans as they are able to participate in the performance, even if it meant that they were watching from home instead of being there at the physical venue. In return, the community continues to grow day by day as online streaming also helps with gaining more exposure once things get viral.

Times have changed, and so do the expectations of target audiences who grew up witnessing the advancements of modern technology. One may integrate the technology of broadcasting with real life occupations, and utilize it wisely to generate side income for themselves. The possibilities are endless, and there is still much to be explored with this sort of technology. One can choose to let online streaming be a hobby for fun, and there is still an opportunity to turn it into a long-term career. 

Trailer clip:

Full demonstration video:

Psst..! Interested? Watch me go live on Twitch!

[mieeiraa]

Week 9 | Body in Time and Space

Body in Time and Space: The sensual experience of architecture and dance

There is a unique connection between the creative disciplines of dance and architecture. Space is defined and used as the primary medium for creative interpretation in both professions while dancing is the human body moving through space and time.

The human body experiences architecture and its spatial features through movement over time, to consider the shared connection between dance and architecture as being the space made for and by the body. Therefore, a relationship between the human body and space can exist through the implementation of dance and architecture.

How dance and architecture are intertwined

Shape, form, and rhythm are the common language of dance, movement, and architecture, which helps them to define their identities and create visual compositions. They provide a sensory perception of the surroundings by controlling movement through space.

Both dance and architecture are examples of spatial expressions that are felt via the manipulation of physical forms. Since dancing is a mobile art form while architecture is static, the tests of time are used to compare the two orders.

Combining dance and architecture

Emotional Symphonies

Combining these two artistic disciplines opens up a new world in which dance performances are designed to work in unison with architectural environments, enhancing and mirroring the performance's emotional core in every way. Through this combination, the audience is given the chance to develop a deeper emotional bond that transcends the confines of specific artistic mediums.

Visual Storytelling

Both dance and building are forms of expression that convey concepts and stories. Because dance is visceral, it uses the language of the body to communicate ideas that are abstract and evoke feelings. Comparably, the design of architecture conveys information by expressing the historical, social, and cultural context in which it is situated.

Choreographed Connections

The distinctions between these two creative forms are blurred as a result of the symbiotic relationship that is created when movement and architecture work together.

A Harmonious Embrace

Because both dance and architecture entail using body movement to create both tangible and ethereal environments, their creative processes necessitate an inventive design of one another. As viewers, we are treated to a conversation between two distinct artistic mediums that eventually converge in a beautiful embrace.

[mieeiraa]

Week 7-8 | Sensorial Design and Synesthesia

What is synesthesia?

Synesthesia? A simple way to explain it is when you hear music, but you see shapes. Or you hear a word or a name and instantly see a color. Seeing letters, numbers, or sounds as colors is one of the most typical reactions.

Scientifically speaking, the condition known as synesthesia results in sensory crossovers, such as the ability to taste or feel colors or sounds. Because it engages two or more senses when there's only a single reason for one sense to activate, some people refer to it as having "wires crossed" in their brains.

How does this relate to the world of performance arts? 

Implementing sensorial design to your performance will help create a lasting experience to your audience. Touch, sound, smell, taste, and the body's wisdom are all activated by sensory design. Regardless of our sensory skills, sensory design enhances everyone's ability to learn, explore the environment, and feel joy, wonder, and social relationships.

This in return, provides an immersive experience as audiences are able to engage with multiple senses simultaneously, creating a unique overall experience for each individual.

A compelling and effective visual storytelling may be possible to achieve with the implementation of sensory design. For instance, a place's scent or aroma has a big impact on how people feel and think.

The same goes for the usage of color psychology and lighting to stimulate visual harmony. The senses of the human body can be evoked through various means in order to create a ‘wow’ factor, captivating the audience to your performance.

[mieeiraa]

Week 6 | Theater and Hybrid

What is theater?

Theater is a collaborative kind of performing arts where live artists, typically actors or actresses, portray the experience of an imagined or real event in front of an audience in a set location, generally a stage.

Unfortunately during the Covid-19 pandemic, the world of performing arts were heavily affected as the world was in a state of lockdown, ceasing the conduct of regular physical activities and socializing in general. The use of virtual productions served to lessen the damage. They were not, however, a substitute for the traditional theater-going experience.

Theaters and their patrons thrive when they continue to provide streaming options in addition to live performances. However, it is a fact that live theater cannot be replaced by a virtual presentation. Therefore, the decision to proceed with a hybrid approach actually brings more benefits rather than being a disadvantage in this digital age.

Benefits of Hybrid Theater Productions:

Appeal to a younger, digital native audience

Drawing in a youthful audience is among the most crucial groups to target. It is essential to make theater accessible to this particular group of people. It's what's going to help a theater grow and broaden its audience.

Sell unlimited tickets, more than the theater capacity allows

With a streaming production, the size of the audience is limitless. By utilizing the right promotional techniques, theaters can create a new revenue stream. Streaming productions open up a new world of possibilities for ticket sales for all theaters.

Offer better value to families

Parents may watch the performance without having to pay for a babysitter thanks to live streaming. Theater is now more accessible to families than it has ever been thanks to streaming performances.

Protect the safety of vulnerable patrons

Large crowds of people still make a lot of people uneasy. Theaters facilitate increased accessibility by providing a streaming alternative to live shows.

Allow people to attend from anywhere in the world

A performance can be seen by everybody, anywhere in the world, as opposed to only being accessible to a local audience. This makes it possible for a theater to reach a worldwide audience.

Democratizing access to the arts

Everyone has access to the arts, and we can now reach a larger audience than ever before thanks to streaming performances.

My Thoughts? A hybrid approach not only increases the performance’s discoverability and overall exposure, it can also work as a means to generate more profit with the correct marketing plans.

[mieeiraa]

Week 5 | Mediating Performance

What is mediating performance?

Mediating Performance? Through the use of skilled communication and negotiation strategies, an unbiased third party helps disputing parties resolve conflict through the structured, interactive process of mediation. This is what it means by mediation. 

-Reflection-

Taking into context the aspect of performance, my interpretation on what mediating performance means is the execution of a performance that involves multiple parties working together at the same time. Working in a team of people in a professional or official manner, communication between the parties involved plays an important role in order for the performance to be a success. Hence, mediation is needed here.

A sample work from Sir Fauzi’s previous work; Satu Hari: Penang, is shown during this week’s lecture, to give us an idea on how these kinds of performances are done; from planning to executing the performance, when working together with a professional team. 

Video link: https://vimeo.com/efozy/satuharipenang

Screenshots from the video

[mieeiraa]

Performance Art with New Media Technology [ASSIGNMENT 1]

For this assignment, I was tasked to do a case study on international and local artists who incorporated the use of new media technology with their performances. From these artists and their chosen work/performance, we can observe how the technology used improves the performance and how they can be improved in the future.

International artist chosen: PLAVE

PLAVE is a five-member virtual idol group operating under a virtual entertainment company, VLAST.

They are known for using game engines and motion capture technology to track each member's gestures and facial expressions, similar to the concept of virtual YouTubers or Vtubers in short.

On March 12, 2023, PLAVE made their official debut. Focusing on music production in the Korean pop or K-pop music industry, they periodically release music albums and singles just like any other idol group.

Performance chosen: Hello, Asterum!

The concert took place over two days, 13th - 14th April 2024 with the first day being a fully physical performance and the second day being an online performance that was simultaneously aired live online for international viewers.

Domestic fans in South Korea were able to purchase tickets to enter the concert venue during the performance day. Meanwhile international fans were given the option to purchase online tickets for the online streaming scheduled for the second day via Weverse, an entertainment platform originated from South Korea.

They performed live on both days as seen by the clear discrepancies when comparing the two performances side by side, with the pre-recorded videos or VCR being filler segments played in between singing performances.

Technology used:

Motion capture

3D Assets

LED Screens

Stage special effects (pyrotechnics, smoke and haze machines, confetti and streamers, bubbles, drones)

Sound system

Local artist chosen: Abdul Shakir

Known by his stage name "Grasshopper," Abdul Shakir is a multidisciplinary multimedia artist and one of the co-founders of Filamen, a company that specializes in interactive installations, light installations, and projection mapping.

He has experience working in production and post-production agencies and has completed a range of design and art-related projects, including interactive installations, motion graphics, graphic design, and projection mapping.

His projects have transcended Malaysia and are now being shown in China, Hong Kong, Spain, and the United States of America. He has shown his art in a number of prestigious exhibitions, including the George Town Festival, Rainforest in the City, Urbanscapes Art Festival, and LAMPU Festival.

Work chosen: Rimbun

“Rimbun” was showcased during the Singapore Night Festival exhibition back in 2023. This work is basically a form of organic projection where he experiments with the mapping process on living things, including trees and leaves.

For this exhibition, it is focused on projection mapping of cultural Malay designs personally created by Abdul Shakir himself on plant leaves of different plants during the night time.

Featuring seven distinct motifs inspired by plants like Starfruit, Nutmeg, Common Fig, Jujube, Sugarcane, Citron, Cocoa, and Guava, these motifs reflect his personal interpretation of these plants and their significance during Singapore's role as an entrepôt between east and west.

Technology used:

Projector

PC computer

Rendered plant motifs via TouchDesigner

How does New Media Technology Improve the Concept and Stage Performance?

From the implementation of new media technology in performances which are the usage of motion capture technology and projection mapping, they offer the possibility to enhance their storytelling and visual graphics as a whole for a more enjoyable experience.

Visual elements prepared using computer graphics, not limited to pictures and videos but including various multimedia elements such as motion capture and projection mapping allow performers to creatively express themselves and their artworks while being able to captivate the audience.

For example, in “Hello, Asterum!” PLAVE and VLAST were able to utilize the visuals in 3D space effectively, resulting in their performance to look like a projection of a hologram while they were in fact only using a flat screen.

Another instance is the ability to manipulate the space to fit each member’s solo performance, creating environments that fit the genre of the songs being performed.

Being able to manipulate 3D space with their virtual models allows PLAVE to showcase an alluring and captivating stage performance in real time, suitable with their concept of being virtual idols.

As for the idea of organic projection mapping as seen in “Rimbun”, I would say that it promotes the idea of seeing mundane things in our lives in a new light.

As Abdul Shakir mentioned that the patterns and motifs being projected were inspired by plants, it shows a connection shared between the man-made motifs and the plants being associated with, subtly showing the beauty and inspiration from nature.

In my opinion, it is a unique way to show how one element may be related to the other and a great medium for an entrancing storytelling since the audience will need to approach the installation in order to fully immerse themselves with the artwork.

How can it be innovative in the future?

Simply put, stage performance visuals are no longer limited to 2D space as they can be manipulated to be shown as 3D regardless of the projecting medium.

Organic projection can introduce a new method to showcase one’s creativity in storytelling, ensuring that the message conveyed can be understood.

Synchronized light projections via light sticks held by the audience in a large crowd may increase the immersion and elevate the experience during a stage performance.

Conclusion

As technology advances further with time, we can expect to see more implementation of new media technology in future performances.

Taking the opportunity to include and utilize them in stage performances especially may help to increase immersion for the audience and deliver a comprehensive and meaningful performance.

Hopefully, with new media technology, artists and performers are able to experiment with their creative freedom and in the end, bring forward inspiring and innovative works of art for us to understand and appreciate.

[mieeiraa]

Week 4 | New Media Approach

What is Multimedia?

Multimedia? It is also known as a form of communication that combines different content forms such as text, audio, images, animations, or video into a single interactive presentation. 

It is essentially different from mass media which featured little to no interaction from users (examples: printed material or audio recordings).

Multimedia presentations on the other hand, can be performed and viewed on stage, projected, transmitted or even played locally via media player.

Broadcasts are considered to be one of it, with the contents being either a recorded multimedia presentation or performed live.

Live Cinema

Within the field of media art, live cinema is still a relatively young and emerging concept. It combines live music and performing arts with experimental methods to narrative and non-narrative filmmaking.

An example shared about live cinema is SuperEverything*, a cross disciplinary performing arts project created by leading audio-visual artists, The Light Surgeons, in collaboration with a group of Malaysian artists.

Image retrieved from http://supereverything.net/

This live cinema performance, which is spread across numerous projections and media, combines breathtaking motion graphics and documentary video with an original musical composition to take viewers on a journey through a number of universal narratives.

My Thoughts? The endless possibilities of multimedia performances intrigues me as we can experiment with various technologies and media for the creation of a visually appealing and captivating performance happening in real time.  Combining various disciplines into a single performance may lead to new discoveries and allow us to implement more technological aspects, just like with new media art.

[mieeiraa]

Week 3 | Scene

The topic of our lecture this week is about “scenes”. The material shared to understand this topic better is Sir Fauzi’s past commissioned work, an experimental video about the Thaipusam ceremony in Batu Caves.

Video link: http://vimeo.com/efozy/thaipusam

Screenshots from the video

-Reflection-

My Thoughts? While the celebration is known for its colorful presence, the overall video output is in black and white. The narrative of the shots in this video seems to emphasize on the emotions of the people celebrating Thaipusam, as seen with the lack of dialogues and hues which allows viewers to concentrate fully on these elements. Without oversaturation or a mix of too many colors, us viewers are able to focus on the other details that were being portrayed throughout the video, and get a grasp on the established mood and sentiments. Composition wise, the people are the main subject matter. Not to forget the emotions that make up the atmosphere being portrayed, establishing the initial mood. I believe that these scenes succeed in capturing the raw feelings and emotions of the people praying during the celebration in a simple yet sophisticated manner. Implementing the use of audio and sound effects to bring the shots to life plays a crucial role as the use of proper audio will affect the storytelling of the clips and scenes. I can simplify that in order to get a scene that captivates people, one must consider various details especially during post-production. Color grading and lighting, scene composition and visuals, sound effects, music and audio are the key elements that you will need to keep in mind at all times.

[mieeiraa]

Week 2 | Perceptions

Perception? This is the topic we've discussed in today's lecture. It appears to be one of the many factors that affects one's understanding when it comes to mass media.

What is perception?

Perception is known as the ability to mentally process and subconsciously notice particular things based on one or more senses. In other words, how someone or something is regarded, understood or interpreted.

Process of perception includes:

Organization

Identification

Interpretation

History of perception

Since prehistoric times, the concept of visual perception has been philosophically practiced. This is due to people trying to fulfill a better understanding on the nature of experience. 

During the 19th century, psychophysics came into play for psychologists to practice with, resulting in psychologists obtaining a better scientific understanding on how the human brain perceives information through a series of psychological experiments and various techniques.

This pretty much sums up what we learnt about perception.

Constructive Workflow

To make your work more productive, it is important to synchronize your workflow and construct how your brain works.

Tips to start a constructive workflow:

Understand the question

Construct a strategic plan

Fill in the blank

Get some ideas and inspiration

Set a perimeter

My thoughts? Essentially, I've learnt that in order to perceive something, the brain goes through the 3 process of perception (organization, identification & interpretation) to get a full understanding. And that's when our senses play a vital role to perceive said information. Sure there are multiple factors that may affect one's perception however I find this topic quite interesting as we are not limited to one way to perceive and understand something in our lives.

[mieeiraa]

Week 1 | Performance Art

Performance Art? The word "performance art" is typically used to describe conceptual art that, as opposed to being just a performance for entertainment's sake, transmits a meaning based on content in a more dramatic sense.

What is performance art?

In other words, Performance Art = an artwork or art exhibition created through actions executed by the artist or other participants. It can be documented or seen in real time, written or spontaneously produced, and it is typically shown to the public in an interdisciplinary fine art setting.

Pencak Mirage performance by FLUX28STUDIO at Muzium Telekom, 2023

Basic elements of performance art:

Time

Space

Body

Presence of the artist

Relation between the creator and the public

Why do performance art then?

An artistic performance can occur in any kind of location, at any time, and with any kind of setup. Its objective is to generate a reaction, occasionally with the aid of improvisation and aesthetic sensibility. 

The themes being used are frequently connected to the artist's personal experiences, the need for social critique or denunciation, and a spirit of transformation.

It mostly refers to a performance that is given in front of an audience, but:

it does not aim to portray a formal linear narrative or a traditional theatrical play

it does not aim to portray a cast of fictional characters engaging in formal scripted exchanges

Rather than adhering to a pre-written script, it might therefore incorporate spoken word or action as a means of communication between the artist and the audience, or even disregard audience expectations.

My Thoughts? From the class briefing, I got more exposure to the conducts of what we know as performance art. Performance arts can be an experimental approach, a much more creative direction for visual and or auditory storytelling in order to express your ideas to the audience.  I find that performance art offers creative liberty for artists to freely express themselves based on the theme and concept that they are going for, and mixing in contemporary approaches as well as the implementation of technology, one may be able to show an extraordinary performance as unique as their identities are.