Bodytalk

Bodytalk

Bodytalk

Bodytalk translates the heartbeat of two bodies into synchronous light signals. The installation has a mirrored setting of sensors and seating, arranging two individuals to sit in front of each other, with glowing light bulbs in between.

Sitting on one of the chairs, the arm of the participants are recommended to be placed on the line, leading to the green light, fingertip positioned loosely on the puls sensor. Placing the hands in a position this close to each other, the setting of Bodytalk is provoking an uncommon nearness without evoking the participants to touch.

Exposing the own heartbeats to another person is the sharing of intimate information. This signal is usually transmitted haptically in situations of physical closeness. Bodytalk is presenting it visually to be observed by the other person and to be seen by oneself. Being aware of the reveal, face to face to your counterpart, might result in a stimulation of the own pulse.

Bodytalk translates the heartbeat of two bodies into synchronous light signals. The installation has a mirrored setting of sensors and seating, arranging two individuals to sit in front of each other, with glowing light bulbs in between.

Sitting on one of the chairs, the arm of the participants are recommended to be placed on the line, leading to the green light, fingertip positioned loosely on the puls sensor. Placing the hands in a position this close to each other, the setting of Bodytalk is provoking an uncommon nearness without evoking the participants to touch.

Exposing the own heartbeats to another person is the sharing of intimate information. This signal is usually transmitted haptically in situations of physical closeness. Bodytalk is presenting it visually to be observed by the other person and to be seen by oneself. Being aware of the reveal, face to face to your counterpart, might result in a stimulation of the own pulse.

The size is about 70 cm x 70 cm 70 cm for the table. When chairs are added, the size elongates for as much place is needed for seating the persons. I used wood for the plate of the table and metal legs. The electonics involve an Arduino, a 12 Volts power supply and the two lightbulbs that are connected to the table via a long cable.

The size is about 70 cm x 70 cm 70 cm for the table. When chairs are added, the size elongates for as much place is needed for seating the persons. I used wood for the plate of the table and metal legs. The electonics involve an Arduino, a 12 Volts power supply and the two lightbulbs that are connected to the table via a long cable.

https://nathalie-gebert.com/bodytalk.html

https://vimeo.com/293797676

https://nathalie-gebert.com/

Nathalie Gebert is a visual artist and interdisciplinary researcher working in the fields of
new media art and experimental design of new technologies.
She is currently studying at the University of the Arts in Bremen. Her work revolves around installations and research on the relationships between technologies, non-human life and techno-feminism. Using experimental methods to reinvent ways of inter- and intraspecific communication, she explores the individual properties, history and potential of materials. Being co-editor of the href zine, she is investigating technoid natures, landscapes
and symbioses and combines curatorial practice with the examination of critical and
utopian theories.

Bremen, Germany