Empathy Machine Interaction
Multidisciplinary performance created by slowdanger in collaboration with Char Stiles and ProjectileObjects
Empathy Machine is a multidisciplinary performance created by the Pittsburgh-based collective slowdanger, in collaboration with computational artist Char Stiles and technologist ProjectileObjects. Premiering in 2019, this work delves into the themes of intimacy and empathy, exploring how these human experiences are influenced and mediated by technology.
Central to the performance is a 16-foot diameter interactive LED ring, developed by ProjectileObjects, which functions as an active participant in the piece. Char Stiles contributed by designing custom software using OpenFrameworks and OpenCV, enabling the ring to respond dynamically to the performers' movements. This integration of responsive technology transforms the stage environment, allowing light and shadow to interact with the dancers in real-time .
The narrative of Empathy Machine is set in a speculative future where individuals have lost their innate capacity for empathy. Through movement and interaction with the responsive environment, the performers embark on a journey to rediscover and relearn empathetic connections. The work challenges societal norms surrounding intimacy and objectification, proposing a return to embodied awareness as a form of resistance against dehumanizing systems .
Stiles' involvement extended beyond technical development; she facilitated discussions on the theoretical underpinnings of the piece, incorporating readings from thinkers like Donna Haraway and Jaron Lanier to explore the intersection of technology and humanity.
Empathy Machine has been showcased at various venues, including the Carnegie Museum of Art, Dance Place in Washington D.C., and the Martin E. Segal Theatre Center in New York City . The project received support from organizations such as The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Heinz Endowments.
For a visual insight into the performance, you can watch a documentary featuring Empathy Machine here: