Mark Tillotson Virtual Aerialist
the artist
She both practices and performs aerial routines (static and swinging
trapeze), and uses a virtual simulation of the dynamics of the moving
human body to invent, refine and experiment with these and other
gymnastic manoevres.
the art
The audiences' perceptions of an aerial routine are hard to
visualize by the performer, and to be both performer and choreographer
for a piece makes this harder. To be able to take a series of moves,
and program a reasonable realistic 3D animation proves invaluable.
Giving the simulation realistic information on the effort and
difficulty means the choreography doesnt end up impossible or
dangerous to perform, and effort can be diverted into adding
interpretation over the basic moves, and working with music and other
aspects before moving a muscle. Virtual reality interfacing allows
learning the sequencing of piece in safety at full pace.
the beret
Often changing---items from costumes and rejected costume ideas.
Streamlined, lycra, a second, alternate skin: colourful, sparking,
catching the light. The artist seldom thinks about it other than in
terms of design, or practicallity---often it is an image on the
screen, part of the persona or creature being given life/movement and
expression.
Submitted by Mark Tillotson (markt@harlequin.co.uk), on Thursday, June 30, 1994, from Barrington, Cambridge, UK