Media Laboratory Colloquium Series 2000-2001

Speakers and Information

Kal Spelletich

Interactive Machine Art

July 18, 2001

ABSTRACT

This talk will describe and demonstrate participative robotic art.

The audiences at these performances volunteer to operate and
interact with my work. It is a thin line between scaring them off and
winning them over. They become the hero/star of the show for they
are the ones who conquer their fears and perform acts of
superhuman endurance and fearlessness in front of a live audience.
This puts us in touch with rituals and events that validate and affirm
existence using technology, fear and the realization that there is
something more important than this fear. I attempt this in a fun
conceptual way. The barrier between passive audience and art(ist) is
shattered.

This is a project to explore new forms of interpersonal communication
through touch and interaction (Force-feedback technology), Intimacy
and social interaction via technology. So far I have conducted over a
thousand such experiences with willing volunteers.

BIO

Born and raised in Davenport Iowa, recently named "America's Worst
Place to Live." Started working at father's construction company once
I could hold a hammer all day. Ran away from home age 15 and
started squatting abandoned buildings and living on the streets.
Worked as a dishwasher, cook, carpenter, auto mechanic, day
laborer, street scammer, plumber, factory, grocery store, salesman,
teacher, carpenter, stagehand, fix it guy. At age 18 worked in United
Auto Workers Union at International Harvester factory with 4,000
workers. Discovered art through a camera.