Real Time Face Tracking & Projection Mapping

Youtube Video of Omote 

(Courtesy: nobumichi asai)

The video attached above features one of the most lifelike body projection I have ever seen. The lighting is so masterfully altered so that the video projection is extremely vivid and transforming. Face tracking technology has made this ever more so possible than just a stationary face. I rather enjoyed the many faces the model had projected onto her. My favorite projection throughout this video was  the robot face that opened up as if the model was an android. There should be a vegas performance based solely on body projections. It is so inviting and enthralling for audiences of all ages. There are endless possibilities with a performance such as this. Overall, I am getting increasingly impressed with the technology and art that transcends the human mind.

Art In The News- March 2016

Video Of Dmitry Morozov's Vtol Project
(Courtesy: vtol.cc)

For my art in the news presentation I chose Dmitry Morozov's Vtol project. Morozov is a Russian media-artist, musician and engineer of strange-sounding mechanisms. His Silk installation, in particular, was the focus of my presentation as it was related to music, technology, and art. This piece is unique in that it autonomously makes music using realtime fluctuations in litecoins and bitcoins connected to an Arduino platform, sound systems, servo motors, guitar rails and a tuning mechanism. The sounds vary depending on the unfalsifiability, immateriality, decentralization and transparency of values.

"This piece explores how new technologies and progress in such areas of knowledge as cryptography, mathematics, computer science influence the financial system, inevitably changing the social structure of the society", says Morozov. 

The Silk installation was inspired by the decentralization of existing currencies and the formation of a new unit of exchange independent from political and geographical limitations. Currently the piece is in Moscow and with each passing day change from the previous as does the data it is responding to. Personally, I have not seen anything like this before and was interested in sharing it because of how many discussions I have had involving bitcoin over the past 4 years. It would be interesting to see how the piece would react if the data were to reach the furthest extremes, worth nothing and highly valued.

Below are pictures of the installation courtesy of Morozov's website:

Die Antwoord

Yolandi & Ninja with their co-star Chappie
(Courtesy: 41.media.tumblr.com)

Tuesday's class was profound watching Die Antwoord's Rich Bitch. The music video portrayed a very particular taste in hip hop that only a few can appreciate. Much so, the lyrics and theatrics are unique to their character and background. In my opinion, the music video was of satire as to prove to the upper class that you do not need to follow rules or act in a respectful manner to have money. Based upon watching their other music videos, it is apparent that there are a number of sub-meanings behind the content they provide for viewers.

Ninja and Yolandi are two ostentatious South African rappers who are better known for their social stigma defying lyrics and vocal careers as Die Antwoord. My first exposure to the duo was in Neill Blomkamp's film Chappie. The two vocalists turn stars as they appear as the supporting roles and parents of the protagonist robot Chappie. They do a fine job portraying South African criminals who must teach a state-of-the-art, armor-plated attack robot with newly acquired AI how to adapt and thrive in a society riddled with crime. Personally, this was one of the best sci-fi films I have watched in a while with plenty of action, comical moments, and dramatic twists. I highly recommend seeing this movie for those who have not already seen it.

Only after learning who they actually were, did the music video and personalities of both vocalists make their appearance in the film that much better. It would be amazing to see a sequel to the Chappie film as it would mean the return of Ninja and Yolandi to the big screen. Overall, the two have made a significant rise in their careers since their formation in 2008. On their individual Instagram accounts they are seen hanging out with Cara Delevingne, the upcoming star to portray Harley Quinn in the Suicide Squad. Previous to this, Die Antwoord had cameos of her and many other renowned stars in their Ugly Boy music video.