FAE

Olivia Hernandez | Tianhang Liu | Xavier Nokes | Elise Weiland

Concept, Sound, Writer  +  Programming  +  3D Modeling, Programming  +  Concept Art, 3D Modeling

ARTIST STATEMENT

Fae explores the practice of active artistry through reduced and limited human interaction. As a synthetic organism, it chooses to behave through self-responsivity as a form or practiced autopoiesis in lieu of traditional human interactivity. This theme of self-creation is the dominant driving force behind the creation of this piece, with particular purpose put into the nature of the system-as-creature-organism, indeed mimicking and systematically approaching situations and making choices to answer.

Fae serves as the first piece for our group, a conglomerate idea put forth by us to impart a new and ideally untouched experience for the audience. Originating as a responsive architecture or performance space, collective interest in the formation of light as a medium was mutually apparent amongst us. A tool, this became one of our chosen “languages” for the piece to use both as an internal and external communication device. Imparting a sense of mystique, a true existence as an organism that behaved, listened, saw, et cetera: all these components served as a basis as to the formation and execution of the visual form and design.

Our intention as designers is to create a system of harmonious beauty that can only be witnessed by an audience willing to conform its behaviors to the needs of the work. Fae is intentionally designed to conform human behavior to its needs; therefore, do not post signs indicating how audience members are to interact with the work. The discovery is as much a part of the art experience than the actual behavior of the system. This means that audience members are invited to explore how their speed, proximity and volume impacts the system. Audience members are prompted by docents to interact with the system through these means.

CONCEPT ART

Top view (credit: Elise Weiland)

Floor view (credit: Elise Weiland)

Orb detail (credit: Elise Weiland)

Floor view (credit: Elise Weiland)

SYSTEM BEHAVIOR

Simulation still: Tianhang Liu

The system is designed currently as a 3D simulation in the Max/MSP programming environment. Utilizing standard software components, the simulation is a model representation in the experience including movement and lights, as well as audio. We utilized the Synthesis Center Max library (credit: ASU Synthesis Center) and particularly Dr. Brandon Mechtley’s state engine system to demonstrate the system's behavior. Mimicking an environment in which the system might exist, the simulation takes input from mouse movement (meant to mimic people’s movement around the stage/space), as well as an audio input.

Process and Early Renderings

Sketches: Xavier Nokes, Olivia Hernandez

Orb Prototype: Elise Weiland

Early Renderings: Elise Weiland, Xavier Nokes

TEAM BIOS

Olivia Hernandez | Olivia Hernandez is an interdisciplinary artist whose art takes many forms - animation, digital collage, performance, puppetry and creative coding. She exhibits her art internationally. Focusing on the integration of new media in performance environments, she currently expands her technical and conceptual knowledge at Arizona State University earning her Interdisciplinary Theatre MFA in Digital Media for Performance degree. She holds a BFA in Expanded Media from the University of Kansas, and a BA in Political Science and International Studies from Baker University.

Tianhang Liu | Tianhang Liu is someone who focuses on multidisciplinary research, especifically simulation design. Recently received a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. He is interested in the immersion of Art and Science, human perception and computational reality. Constantly exploring new fields of technology that enable better understanding of human experience and behavior.

Xavier Nokes | Xavier is an artist primarily interested in the theme of narratives and stories, as well as the transference of such ideas through environmental design and creation. Starting as a writer, they have found new realms of expression in their time in the School of Arts, Media, and Engineering at ASU, additionally driving a self interest in fabrication in the School of Art. Currently pursuing their MA in Arts, Media, and Engineering, they graduated in 2019 with a BA in Arts, Media, and Engineering.

Elise Weiland | Elise Weiland is a VJ and motion + graphic designer currently working on her master’s degree in Digital Culture at ASU. She is interested in expanding her design theory and practice further into animation, AR/VR and other types of experiential media.