Abstract Sonification/Visualization – 20min Performance

Project that uses huge sets of recuperated scientific data to generate sound and video in realtime.

Data Decay is a hybrid live set that is situated between audio visual performance,and strict data visualization. Large sets of data recuperated from various French scientific CNRS research centers is sonified and visualized by generating the simplest forms and sounds (pixels and sine waves). Manipulations are made in realtime directly on the data: no audio or video effects are used to construct the piece.

Because the sound and video are direct results of a specific data variation, interactivity (audio/video synchronization) is precise, and even expected. In order to break this monotony, the performance focuses on modifying one of the data streams so that sound and video become un-interactive and de-synchronized.

This is done by using custom software with modules that transform any data input using non-linear/chaotic transfer functions, variable time displacements, added jitter/noise and data feedback.

Because this moves away from pure scientific data visualization and sonification, the piece could be considered ‘abstract data visualization’.

Performed:
Harvestworks, NY 2009
SXSW Interactive (Austin Museum of Digital Art Showcase), Austin 2009
Visionsonic Festival, Paris 2010
LPM Festival, Rome 2010
Videoformes Festival, Clermont Ferrand 2011

Here is a longer explanation of the original idea behind Data Decay