The aim of the project is to explore the concept of the “Technological Self” who is evolving within a rapidly developing technological society. Its main focus is on the changing relationship between humans and technology and specifically on the perception of the Self in relation to society’s increasing dependence on technology, highlighting the dynamic nature of human identity while emphasizing on the positive qualities of a biologically advanced self. For this purpose, we created an audiovisual interactive installation in VR environment exploring the 3D landscape of human physiology, based exclusively on biosignals derived from the human autonomic nervous system. This research attempts to offer a philosophical statement regarding human strength and resilience in the face of evolving digital technologies by promoting self-empowerment, awareness, identity reinvention and trust in the technologically miraculous self. It emphasizes on our complex and sophisticated biological systems, reminding us to trust them, offering reassurance and a sense of empowerment within the newly emerging socio-technological framework.
Objectives
This project aims to redefine the relationship between human physiology and digital media by transforming involuntary bodily functions into a real-time audiovisual composition. psychological effects.
Methodology
The installation is developed utilizing a combination of Arduino Sensors and TouchDesigner Software for real-time VR audiovisual synthesis. The automatic functions of heart beating and breathing have been selected to function as real-time inputs that affect creative 3D content and produce spatial sound. The breathing signal also enhances user’s navigation by enabling additional control of the movement in the 3D space.
Evangelos Aslanidis (b. 1985) is an Athens-based musician and new media artist. He combines a multidisciplinary background of professional activity and experience, counting numerous participations in A/V projects, events & festivals. He recently concluded his postgraduate studies at the Ionian University, “MA: Audiovisual Arts in The Digital Age program”. Throughout his studies, Evangelos explored the subject of identity, self and human emotions in relation to the rapid-changing technological and social environment. His projects lean towards experimental and immersive creative outputs that stimulate the visual and emotional senses of visitors, combining storytelling, interactivity and artistic design while offering the opportunity to explore complex concepts in unique ways. Lately, Evangelos explores virtual reality, HCI, real-time interactive installations, projection mapping, audio reactivity, 3D, 2D as well as mixed visual techniques. In 2024 he participated in the 20th Athens Digital Arts Festival as a member of Pixel Pulse Collective, performing live music & visuals. In 2023 he participated in a 7-Day workshop & VR exhibition at The Greek National Opera which focused on further broadening the relationships between architecture and music & space and sound through the use of new digital media.
