Absent Interfaces Lab
(2007-2010)

www.absentinterfaces.blogspot.com

"researching fresh artistic and critical approaches to the relationship between live performance and new media technologies"

Press

Absent Interfaces is a four year project to facilitate creation of new artworks that demonstrate the following two content principles:

(1) are based on relations between live performance and new media technologies; and

(2) are critically engaged with the modes of their own production.

Absent Interfaces involves a core group of established artists working across disciplines who will make their creation process available for the project duration. Live performance will be the central connection point. Bodies and Technologies will provide a main focus, but within a wide critical and tactical frame. The general aim of Absent Interfaces activities is to augment and support the creation processes of the artists; and the artists themselves will define the specific content research. These processes will remain constantly open to potential production manifestations in multiple formats, but with a long period of non-production possible if desired. Cross-fertilisation from the diversity of cultural contexts as well as other knowledge domains (vis a vis specialist lectures, etc.) will feature prominently for the purpose of idea and creative stimulation. Documentation and dissemination of research outcomes alongside the creation and presentation of artworks is an important dimension of the project.

project partners

CDU (Center for Drama Art) / Zagreb / Croatia
L’animal a l’esquena / Celra-Girona / Spain
boDig (body-based arts & new media Technologies) / Istanbul / Turkey

The project was inaugurated by Scott deLahunta, Daniel Aschwanden & Andrea Bozic.

activities

A series of activities including labs, residencies, workshops, seminars and presentations (publication, exhibition and performance/ installation) are currently being planned for the period 2007-2010. The core group will come together at least once each year for an annual 'ideas creation' lab organised by one of the international partners. Throughout the year and between labs each partner will organise other activities that support their own long-term research and development plans. The basic activities are centred on (1) creation process, (2) education, (3) publication, (4) events. Each partner may combine and adapt activity formats to enable engagement and collaboration with local organizations including other presenting, publication and research/education institutions.
background

Absent Interfaces builds on the outcomes of a dance and technology workshop in Zagreb (10-15 Oct 2005); a pilot 'ideas creation' lab at TanzQuartier Wien (28 Nov-3 Dec 2005); an artists' meeting during the TECHNE 06 Performance and Media Festival, Istanbul (17-22 Apr 2006); a series of daily interventions during the Body and Technologies Lab, La Caldera, Barcelona (4-10 Dec 2006); and an inaugural organisation meeting of the Absent Interfaces Steering Group at L'Animal a l'esquena in Celra/ Girona (12-14 Oct 2007).