Cardiomorphologies, 2004-2006

The Cardiomorphologies series explores the subjective spaces created through interaction with a simple geometric visualisation of realtime heart and breath rate data. The installation is comprised of one large floor-to-ceiling video projection, that is controlled by heart and breath signals from the participant who is seated a few meters way.

The core focus with this work was on translating heart and breath information using concentric circles – to create a kinaesthetically compelling but extremely simple visual design that could be experienced in varying states of attention (i.e. with soft gaze), inspired by mandala imagery and tunnel like visuals often described in connection to near-death experiences – vision at a threshold.

Between 2004 and 2006 several different versions where exhibited, beginning with a very stark, hard-edged visualisation designed with John Tonkin, and ending in the multi-layered and highly dynamic visualisations developed with Lizzie Muller and Greg Turner between 2005–2006.

Breath is measured using a stretch sensor worn around the participant’s chest (now using a hal effect sensor), and heart rate data is obtained via wireless sensors. All the data is analysed, and features extracted and mapped to sounds and visuals (circle diameter, colour etc.) using Max-MSP (programming by George Khut with Greg Turner).

Credits

George Khut: Interaction concept, Max-MSP information mapping and sound design.

Lizzie Muller: Curatorial researcher, audience research, and interaction concept development

Greg Turner: Max-MSP visualisation system (2005), and data analysis tools

John Tonkin: Java-based visualisation system (2004)

Exhibition Dates

2016: Exhibited as part of ‘Embodied Encounters’ group exhibition curated by David Familian and Simon Penny, Beall Center for Art + Technology, Irvine, California, U.S.A.

2007: Biennale Of Electronic Arts Perth 2007: ‘I took a Deep Breath’ group exhibition curated by Hannah Matthews, Perth Institute of Contemporary Art, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.

2006: This Secret Location, Inbetween Time Festival of Live Art & Intrigue, curated by Helen Cole, Arnolfini, Bristol, Great Britain.

2005: Cardiomorphologies v.2 with Lizzie Muller and Greg Turner, Beta_space, Powerhouse Museum (Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

2004: Cardiomorphologies v.1 artist residency and public exhibition, curated by Fiona Winning and Blair French as part of the Headspace artist residency program, Performance Space, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.