Figural Bodies
Panel discussion & XR performance - SXSW 2023Figural Bodies challenges and reimagines the normative and ableist ways the body is understood and represented through immersive technology. This dance mocap performance explores fantastical interaction and embodiment beyond the humanoid avatar form. Created in collaboration with Candoco Dance, the work premiered at South by South West 2023 in Austin Texas. It is part of director Clarice Hilton’s active research to deconstruct mocap data from its enforced normative algorithms, and towards the celebration of subversion and difference in the immersive representation of bodies. Dancers Kat Hawkins and Susanna Dye were connected through the custom Goldsmiths Mocap Streamer tool, using their body’s motion data, machine learning, interaction design, and customised avatar forms to push the boundaries of how bodies can be represented and interact in metaverse-type spaces.
You can hear the director and co-producers discuss the work on Voices of VR.
Artistic direction was by Neal Coghlan, with sound design by Ashley Noel-Hirst. Remote mocap technician: Clemence Debaig.
Future Art and Culture is produced by British Underground at SXSW funded by Arts Council England with additional support in 2023 from the British Council.
