EM.body is a digitally mediated performance art project which explores the idea of mutable identity on the internet. On dating sites, social media platforms, and gaming forums, individuals are represented digitally through avatars. These avatars give other users an idea of who the person being represented is irl. These digital identifiers, however, can be manipulated to differ greatly from our physical biology resulting in digital representations that don’t have physical equivalences. Examples can be found especially in marginalized identities attempting to near a status quo. The dance project EM.body utilizes muscle sensors to gather data directly from the body to manipulate a live video feed creating a more direct relationship of manipulation between biology and digital medium. The muscle sensors pick up minute changes in muscular tension as a result of changes in emotional state. What elements of humanity are evidenced? What physical tolls are taken when manipulation of your digital avatar requires physical effort?
Before the complications caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, EM.body was envisioned as a wearable technology piece exploring the concept of mutation in the form of volume in the physical world. These stills are taken from USC's Visions and Voices event 'Activated Chambers' executed with the Kaufman School of Dance. Visualized is a 3D printed prototype of EM.body
The 3D printed version of EM.body was originally funded by USC's Ahmanson Lab, which provided the EM.body team with muscle sensors and 3D printing software to execute the project.
In this video we see Maria Camasmie building the 3D renders of the exoskeleton in the modeling software NS
We then printed the renders and assembled the skeleton, hooking it up to a servo motor powered by a muscle sensor and Arduino.
The numerical data collected from the muscle sensor is translated into degrees to which the motor rotates which subsequently creates volume as the exoskeleton is engaged.
Successfully creating visible volumetric changes in the portions of the body with increased muscle tension
Successfully creating visible volumetric changes in the portions of the body with increased muscle tension