CriticalSenses - HyperSense Complex http://www.criticalsenses.

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HyperSense Complex

About

HyperSense Complex is an ensemble of performers (Dr. Alistair Riddell, Somaya Langley and
Simon Burton) utilising custom-built sensor and micro-controller technology in a networked
performance environment. The technology has been developed to be wearable, providing a more
intuitive human computer interface. This in turn offers an alternative approach to the experience of
live electronic music performance, for both performers and audience. In a performance context,
the audience experiences movement of the performer's hands and bodies as controlling sonic
environment.

Each performer wears eight flex-sensors strapped to the fingers. Movement of the sensors on the
fingers is detected and generates signal, which is sent via cabling running along the arms to the
micro-controllers. The micro-controllers convert signal to data using ADC. This is passed over
extended USB connections to a Macintosh G4 PowerBook running Python scripting. The Python
code interprets each of the performer data streams and interpolates the data into a composition
framework and the output is sent via OSC to a second laptop running SuperCollider3. The second
laptop handles control of audio samples, live audio signal input and effects.

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photo: Loui Seselja

photo: Vicky Clare (2003

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Electrofringe Co-Director) photo:

Christian Malejka

This particular technical configuration creates a unique and expansive performance relationship
between the individuals of the ensemble, as they each have the capability to control aspects of
each other's sound. Complex mappings of the sensor data allow for this truly networked
performance occur. For more information see: www.arrowtheory.com/hypersense/

Performances & Exhibitions

re:Skin Wearables Exhibition

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HyperSense Complex jacket and sensors were exhibited at the re:Skin workshop, Canberra
School of Art Foyer Gallery, January 2007.

Melbourne Poetry Festival 2004

Performed in collaboration with performance poet Klare Lanson at the 2004 Poetry Festival, Loop
Bar, Melbourne, Sunday 22nd August 2004.

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International Conference on Auditory Display 2004

Performed at the International Conference on Auditory Display (ICAD) cocktail party, Sydney, July
2004.

Vis(i)onic

Performed at Vis(i)onic, a one-night festival of live improvised electronic sound and visuals. ANU
Arts Centre, ANU, Canberra, Thursday 1st April 2004.

photo: Maria-Eleni Alesandre

Future Passage - Skylounge 2004

Enter the tunnel to discover a rarely seen dimension of digital performance. HyperSense Complex
attaches sensors to the body to create unique sonic works. HyperSense Complex in collaboration
with VJ's and video artists transform the space, taking you into the digital future. SkyLoungers will
be enthralled by this captivating and unusual presentation of live sound and video performance.

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National Museum of Australia, Canberra, 6th, 13th, 21st, 27th February 2004.

photo: george serras

photo: george serras

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red (video still)

HyperSense Complex (Somaya Langley, Alistair Riddell, Simon Burton) performing with visuals
by: Scott Morrison, Paul Mosig, Andrew Chartres and Andrew Uttley. For more information see:
http://www.nma.gov.au/events/calendar/sky_lounge_2004/

Gl;tch

Performed at Gl;tch, Candy's Apartment (hosted by Alon Ilsar and Gauche), Sydney, November
2003.

Electrofringe 2003

HyperSense Complex with Scott Morrison (visuals) performance and discussion on alternate
interfaces and wearable technology in relation to electronic music performance. Held at SPA[v]CE,
Electrofringe Festival, Newcastle, Saturday 4th October 2003. For more information see:
http://www.electrofringe.org/artist.asp?id=202

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photo: Vicky Clare (2003 Electrofringe

Co-Director)

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Quantacrib

Performed at the Quantacrib at Electrofringe, Newcastle, 3rd October 2003.

Beatdown

Performed at Beatdown, Meiso Bar, Canberra, 14th August 2003.

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ABC Classic FM - New Music Australia

Performed live on ABC Classic FM's New Music Australia radio program hosted by Julian Day,
Canberra, 13th August 2003.

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eXXentricity

Performed at eXXentricity, a one-night festival of electronic music and a Community Radio 2XX
FM fundraiser, Canberra, 31st May 2003.

photo: Glen Martin

Bimbimbie 2003

Performed at Bimbimbie along with Australysis and Mitchell Whitelaw, Canberra, 16th April 2003.

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photo: Maria-Eleni Alesandre

AudioVisual Documentation

Red - Skylounge, National Museum of Australia 2004 [quicktime mp4 video]

Green - Skylounge, National Museum of Australia 2004 [quicktime mp4 video]
Blue - Skylounge, National Museum of Australia 2004 [quicktime mp4 video]
Pink - Skylounge, National Museum of Australia 2004 [quicktime mp4 video]
Glitch - International Conference on Auditory Display, 2004 [mp3 audio]
Drumming Tree - eXXentricity, 2003 [mp3 audio]
Piano Meditation - eXXentricity, 2003 [mp3 audio]
Japan Trains - eXXentricity, 2003 [mp3 audio]

Papers

Riddell, A., "An Interactive Ensemble" In Proceedings for the Australian Computer Music
Conference (ACMC), Brisbane, Australia, Australasian Computer Music Association, 2005

Websites & Databases

Australia AdLib
Clatterbox
Turbulence.org - Networked Performance

Reviews & Articles

Barrass, Steve, Barrass, Tim, "Music Creativity in Collaborative Virtual Environments",

Virtual Reality, Volume 10, Number 2, October 2006, Sprinter London,
http://www.springerlink.com/content/a1m7525v77652382/, accessed 17 June 2008
Kirn, Peter, "HyperSense Complex: Gestural Gloves for Music", Create Digital Music, 8th
August 2005, http://createdigitalmusic.com/2005/08/08/hypersense-complex-gestural-
gloves-for-music/, accessed on 17 June 2008
Rendle-Short, Francesca, "NMA's Living Exhibits" RealTime, Issue 60, April/May 2004,

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http://www.realtimearts.net/rt60/rendle_sky.html, accessed on 26 August 2005

"Helping Hand for Musical Powerbooks", Macworld UK, 19th February 2004,
http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/index.cfm?newsid=7969, accessed on 26 August 2005
Piquepaille, Roland, "Making Music With Sensors",17 February 2004,
http://radio.weblogs.com/0105910/2004/02/17.html, accessed on 26 August 2005
Deare, Steven, "Music Trio's Sensors Working Overtime", PC World, 16th February 2004,
http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/index.php?id=716362867, accessed 26th August 2005

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