Creating reflective spaces with Nora Gibson

Creating New Spaces: Interviews with artists redefining spaces through technology

In this interview, Nora Gibson discusses her interactive installation called 'the dream'. Participants in 'the dream' wear EEG headsets to animate a particle system that is projected onto translucent screens in a room bathed in pale blue light. Nora’s background is in contemporary ballet and choreography. During the conversation some of the topics that are explored are interactive works as a way of providing feedback to participants, the interconnectedness between audience members, as well as how interactive works are systems for people to experience. 'the dream' has recently been featured in Ars Electronica.

Highlights

(0:00:00) Choreography vs interactive installations

(0:02:20) Description of ‘the dream’ installation

(0:06:25) Audience response to ‘the dream’

(0:08:29) Core ideas explored in the piece

(0:11:00) Personal reflection and enrichment in creating the installation

(0:14:03) Art as a tool for learning and growth

(0:15:00) Transition from ballet to installation practice

(0:17:49) Using participants' bodies in the installation

(0:18:07) Shifting focus from the performer to the experience

(0:18:49) Redefining virtuosity in coding and conveying messages effectively

(0:20:32) Process of creating ‘the dream’ piece and experimenting with visuals

(0:22:25) Using organic and natural visuals in the piece

(0:23:58) Embracing recycled ideas and having a unique message

(0:24:37) Differences between creating an interactive installation and choreographing

(0:27:30) Finding freedom and a different perspective through interactive work

(0:27:33) Augmenting the experience with sound and live experimentation

(0:30:19) Advice for others: Use tools to communicate your message effectively

About Nora Gibson

Nora Gibson trained in ballet at the Baltimore School for the Arts, where she studied under renowned mentors including Sylvester Campbell of the DutchNational Ballet. Nora further honed her skills at Chautauqua and NCSA, and earned a BFA from Tisch at NYU. She has danced for multiple companies including the Ellicott City Ballet Guild, PATH Dance Company, ClancyWorks Dance, and Andrew Marcus Dance, and has collaborated with iconic choreographer Lucinda Childs.

Fora decade, Nora led the Nora Gibson Contemporary Ballet, a Philadelphia-basedcontemporary ballet company. She gained critical acclaim and presented her workat prestigious venues such as the Franklin Institute. This included discussingher groundbreaking dome ballet, MANDALA, at the TouchDesigner summit at MUTEK in Montreal in 2018.

Asan educator, Nora has designed courses that range from ballet to digital art,and has taught at institutions such as Temple University and the University ofthe Arts. She received the Outstanding Teaching Award in 2018 for her work atTemple University.

Norahas transitioned from choreography to digital practice. Her digital creationshave been featured at international platforms such as Ars Electronica and the Hexagram Network, Online Global Gallery, Contemporary & Digital ArtFair, Lightbox, and Urban Screens Production.

Links from the podcast

• Learn more about 'the dream'
• Follow Nora Gibson on Instagram
• Visit Nora Gibson website