expanding interactive video : spring 2007
mondays 3:30-6:25
scott fitzgerald
scott (at) droolcup.com
office hours : Thursdays 4:30 - 5:30

About the class
Boring description :
Expanding Interactive Video is designed to encourage the student to explore alternate methods of video interaction in the context of performance and installation, expanding their ability to communicate with an audience. Students develop their own work while examining technical and aesthetic concepts embedded in existing pieces. Technical examples demonstrating concepts discussed in class are demonstrated in a variety of environments such as Max/MSP/Jitter, Processing, and physical computing, in an attempt to move beyond the screen (we may also explore other programming tools like Eyesweb). Students are expected to have completed Intro to Physical Computing and ICM. Previous video experience is encouraged, though not required.
Less boring :
This class is about video art and how it relates to the stuff we do at ITP. Physical computing, programming, LEDS, microcontrollers, Max, Processing, Java and all that fun stuff. Video was one of the first technologies made available to artists shortly after it’s introduction, and in its 30-odd year history has influenced many other art forms, including the computer-type stuff we work on so feverishly here. Video art in its infancy was influenced by performance and space, and now, with the new tools available to us, we can reexamine it’s relevance in modern art. We will look at software and hardware in the contexts of performance, installation and architecture. And have fun doing it. And make some cool stuff.

Technical
While this class is based around a fair amount of discussion and theory, there are also technical aspects. Examples in class will primarily be in Max/MSP/Jitter. Some will be in Processing. But above all this is a class about ideas, and your idea should never be subservient to the technology. Make the tech work for you, you shouldn’t have to work for the tech. I don’t care what technology you make your work in, as long as you are effectively able to communicate your idea.
We will also look at video generating hardware, types of cameras and input devices. Software for video, like Isadora, Quartz Composer, VVVV, and Eyesweb will also be introduced. Most of these will not be covered in depth. If you’re interested in something, go for it. If there’s something you thing ought be covered, let me know. I will be happy to do what I can to accommodate reasonable technical requests.

Assignments
There will be a series of short experiments assigned throughout the duration of the course, each corresponding to the relevant area of discussion. There will be a final project due at the end of the semester.
There is no "text" per se, I will be making reading available to you online and via handouts in class. However, you may want to download and refer to "Expanded Cinema" by Gene Youngblood. It covers many topics we talk about in class (from the perspective of the late 70s), and is generally a good read for anyone interested in video art and it's possibilities.

Grading
In class participation : 33%
Assignments : 33%
Final : 33%

General stuff you should already be aware of
You are expected to come to every class, on time. If you are unable to come, let me know.
Laptops are allowed only when I am lecturing. During other students’ presentations, guest presentations, and group discussions, they should be put away.

This class is slightly different than others, it meets 12 times instead of 14, and the classes are longer than usual.

NB :I have ~five guest speakers lined up for the semester, changes will be made to the schedule as time goes on, they will be reflected here.

1/22 Introductions
Overview, examples
What is video art?  How does it relate to other art forms? What makes it different from experimental & avant-garde film? How can it be used? What are the different types? Where does it come from?
Overview of video (intro for noobs, refresher for the pros)

1/28 Reading Discussion
Video and Performance
Different types of video performance (VJ, performance art, theater) what are the different concerns with each?
First assignment : video performance, due 2/26

2/5 Software for performance? DIY? out of the box?
Video for theater
Guest Speaker : Maya Ciarrocchi

2/12 Interface discussions
Video as wallpaper : Synaesthesia
Guest speaker/ performance: Josh Goldberg & Hans Tammen

2/26 Present performance work
Consideration of installations :site, space and time

3/5 physical interfaces with the moving picture, pcomp and video
other types of input (low budget, high tech)
Video on a chip

3/19 Objecthood. Projection materials.
Guest Speaker : Nicole Cohen

3/26 Camera as input, what can it show apart from our reflection?
Surveillance
Guest Speaker : Toni Dove

4/2 Presentations of installation work

4/9 Site Specific stuff.
Negative space.
different types of displays : large scale low resolution
LEDs. Designing for scale.

4/16 Video in architecture, video as light
Guest speaker : Leo Villareal

4/23 final presentations