[ISEA2016] Artist Talk: Fito Segrera — Accumulated Memory Landscapes: Real-time On-line 3D Landscapes Based on Prosthetic Memory Data

Artist Statement

Keywords: Memory, electroencephalogram, wearable technology, 3D online environments.

This paper frames the conceptual workspace and development documentation of the art project titled Accumulated-Memory-Landscapes (AML). This project is an inquiry on how technology can mediate and enhance human memory by expanding the possibilities of interaction, experiencing and sharing of this. AML appropriates the 3 main steps involved in human memory (Encoding → Storage → Retrieval) and traces parallels between the biological human process and the technological devices and algorithms used for capturing, storing and recalling data. Using a portable wireless electroencephalogram (EEG) and a smart phone, we have built a wearable system able to measure attention levels in any given time. The device records significant moments of the wearer, in the form of image sequences and audio clips, which are then sent, in real-time, to a server that algorithmically processes them. The result is an immersive 3D procedural landscape built from these memories; a space where the wearer and any other individual can experience and share these accumulated memories in more abstract and spacial ways.

  • fito_segrera (aka Rodolfo Segrera) is an artist, technologist and Head of Research/Creation at Chronus Art Center, Shanghai, China. He studied fine arts and audiovisual/Multimedia production at Jorge Tadeo Lozano University of Bogotá, Colombia and completed a MFA in Design and Technology with honors at Parsons, The New School, New York while being a Fulbright Scholar from 2013 until 2015. His current research and creative practice appropriates elements from digital philosophy, artificial intelligence, monism and modern physics while using physical computing, software programming and information/telecommunication technologies to inquiry in fundamental ontological questions regarding the nature of reality and the physicality of the universe. His main exhibitions are: SIGGRAPH 2014, Collision 20 & 21 at Boston Ciberarts Gallery 2014, Huston International Performance Biennale 2014, SXSW Austin TX 2014, EYEBEAM New York 2013, Agora Collective Center Berlin 2013, Dorkbot NYC 2013, Harvestworks New York 2013, Salon Regional de Artistas del Caribe, Web 2.0 Espacios alternativos 2012, Ripping mix, burn, rip 2010, Bogotá Biennale 2009. fii.to

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