MONICA TOLIA
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Technologies of lived abstraction: future present

2018-2019
Durational performance, 3 hours
​​
Using machine learning as its foundation, the work addresses questions of how the algorithmic and the notion of a quantified self are creating “soft architectures” impacting the construction of movement: in both an interior and social way.  The performers (the quantified subjects of the work) are wearing biosensors that read the data produced through their movements (muscle tension, orientation, speed, etc.).  Their data is translated in realtime by neural network algorithms, producing a constantly moving and mutating light sculpture projection. It is the visualised form of their data, an abstracted “data self”, acting as another body in the space.  It moves and dances with its human subject, and the performer responds to the unpredictably abstract outputs produced by the predictive algorithms.  Both human and machine are engaged in a complex and constantly evolving positive feedback loop.


Over the course of the 3-hour performance, the performers engage in various choreographic scores that reveal intimate interpersonal narratives and transition between states of solipsism, narcissism, competition, mania, eroticism and collectivity in technology-mediated spaces.  The durational aspect of the work answering to the ubiquitousness of artificially intelligent sensing technologies recording and redistributing complex information patterns, where human subjects must then navigate these abstract soft power relations.  The performers as the quantified subjects of the work confront this radical intimacy with the algorithm, each other and the audience, working towards overcoming the individualistic preoccupation/fascination with technology & pushing for collectivity.
​
Credits:
Performed by Marlen Pflueger, Phoenix Tanner, Monica Tolia & Moses Ward
Sound composition by James Philip Brown (with contributions from Peder Mannerfelt)
​Programming by Terry Clark


Exhibitions/events:
6 June 2018: Diffracta, Total Refreshment Centre (London), duo/redux iteration with Marlen Pflueger​
12-17 July 2018: Goldsmiths MFA Fine Art Degree Show, Goldsmiths University of London


​
Review in Elephant Magazine (24.07.2018):
https://elephant.art/eight-artists-to-watch-ma-and-mfa-shows-2018/

​​*Project generously supported by Goldsmiths, Department of Computing


​​©  2022  Monica Tolia

  • ABOUT
    • Bio & Contact
    • CV
    • NEWS
  • PERFORMANCE
    • Kyoko Returns
    • a snake in the house means the family will never want >
      • The Place (June 2022)
      • Deptford X Festival (July 2021)
    • Flora / Fauna / Machina >
      • Chalton Gallery for Art Night (June 2019)
      • Gossamer Fog (January 2019)
    • Technologies of Lived Abstraction: FUTURE PRESENT >
      • FUTURE PRESENT 2
      • FUTURE PRESENT 1
    • BioSonics
  • VISUAL
  • MEDIA
    • SOUNDS
    • VIDEO: Low Murmur
    • VIDEO + COLLABORATION: 2m
  • COLLECTIVE
    • NIAN is here! 年到了
    • Lunar New Year Festival 2022
    • Deptford X Festival 2021: Have you eaten yet?
    • ABOUT 你吃了吗