What IS "media performance," anyway?
Media performance is a subset of new media art, where the artist uses film, video, audio, software, and hardware in real-time, unconventional ways.
Media performance is a subset of new media art, where the artist uses film, video, audio, software, and hardware in real-time, unconventional ways.
Ok, but what do you DO?
Here are some examples.
On the video side, you might think of a VJ in a club, who decides what the visuals in that space at the moment she is performing... but while in a club setting the only goal may be to create an environment for the party (the party is the goal), that method is used for more considered ends (the art itself is the goal).
One recent example of my own is a performance I do called TIA MAK, where I remix the classic documentary "Nanook of the North." I've played that show all over the world. Another of my own recent examples is when I designed and performed the projections for a play in New York called "New Islands Archipelago". That show was a work of theater, in the way that you may think about traditional theater (indeed, the set designer was fellow USC professor Nic Ularu) however I was performing video projections alongside the live actors, interacting with them as another kind of character.
And video is not the only possibility, one might think of sound, games, mobile devices, and so much more. The key being that the art is defined by the moment of its execution.
Here are some examples.
On the video side, you might think of a VJ in a club, who decides what the visuals in that space at the moment she is performing... but while in a club setting the only goal may be to create an environment for the party (the party is the goal), that method is used for more considered ends (the art itself is the goal).
One recent example of my own is a performance I do called TIA MAK, where I remix the classic documentary "Nanook of the North." I've played that show all over the world. Another of my own recent examples is when I designed and performed the projections for a play in New York called "New Islands Archipelago". That show was a work of theater, in the way that you may think about traditional theater (indeed, the set designer was fellow USC professor Nic Ularu) however I was performing video projections alongside the live actors, interacting with them as another kind of character.
And video is not the only possibility, one might think of sound, games, mobile devices, and so much more. The key being that the art is defined by the moment of its execution.
The class is full, will you add me?
We can not add students over the limit to this class, because the limit is based on the legal capacity of the room (fire codes). Let me know if you want the class but it is full, I keep track of this and communicate it to the people at the University who decide how many courses we can offer.
People almost always drop the class, but you will need to keep an eye on VIP and add the class yourself.
We can not add students over the limit to this class, because the limit is based on the legal capacity of the room (fire codes). Let me know if you want the class but it is full, I keep track of this and communicate it to the people at the University who decide how many courses we can offer.
People almost always drop the class, but you will need to keep an eye on VIP and add the class yourself.
I haven't had the prereq courses. Can I take it anyway?
The prerequisites to this class are MART 210 and MART 380, which contain information that is the necessary basis for the techniques we will use. They also include fundamentals art concepts will be built upon.
You may find that you have a background in theater, computing, dance, drawing, chemistry, and so forth, that informs your experience. But you will still need the prerequisites.
The prerequisites to this class are MART 210 and MART 380, which contain information that is the necessary basis for the techniques we will use. They also include fundamentals art concepts will be built upon.
You may find that you have a background in theater, computing, dance, drawing, chemistry, and so forth, that informs your experience. But you will still need the prerequisites.
I'm not a Media Arts major or minor. Can I take it anyway?
Definitely.
Definitely.
Is there a textbook?
There is a recommended book, Remix by Lawrence Lessig.
There is a recommended book, Remix by Lawrence Lessig.
When and where does the class meet?
The USC Master Schedule is available at http://my.sc.edu. All up to date info is there.
The USC Master Schedule is available at http://my.sc.edu. All up to date info is there.
Do I have to buy software?
Sort of. For this class, you will need the student, 12-month version of Max 6, which costs $59. It is available for Mac or Windows, and you can get it from the software developers, Cycling 74. Max is the most widely used software for designing interactive art for media performance. It can also do many other things, which you may find useful as you continue working in new media. We own this software in specialized labs in McMaster, but you may find it valuable to buy the year's subscription.
Sort of. For this class, you will need the student, 12-month version of Max 6, which costs $59. It is available for Mac or Windows, and you can get it from the software developers, Cycling 74. Max is the most widely used software for designing interactive art for media performance. It can also do many other things, which you may find useful as you continue working in new media. We own this software in specialized labs in McMaster, but you may find it valuable to buy the year's subscription.