Digital technological interactive performance “Synchronicity”
1.10.2022, 20:00
at Center of Contemporary Art – Tbilisi
10 Dodo abashide str.
Alphabet and architecture are one of the most distinctive and vital representations of a nation’s identity. Two given characteristics form a perspective on the nation, its origins, aspirations, history, symbolism, and meaning. “Synchronicity“ is an interactive technological installation that is created by the amalgamation of the Georgian alphabet, architecture, and mathematical connections. The Georgian alphabet and its conversion into numerical values create a digital algorithm that operates on the principles of coincidence.
The algorithm submits the information, visitors fill in the questionnaires displayed on their cellphone screens. This technical process is followed by the “dance of words” of the people who synchronized by the principle of coincidence.
The video installation consists of two parts. The first part, the audio-video installation – “fish dance” is a symbolical representation of the circumstances in which we are born such as environment, landscape, culture society, religion, and time…. Everything that surrounds us and determines the processes of our development and our future. Those are the circumstances that cannot be altered to a certain time or remain unchanged forever. And if there is a way to change the circumstance, what happens next?
The opportunity for interaction occurs only throughout the progression of the first part. Those who decide to participate in the interactive performance are given a chance to synchronize. The audience can choose not to participate in interaction and remain as spectators. In the second part of the performance, through the information panel audience interacts with the digital installation by writing their names, desired word, and personal mail. The progression of the second part is fully determined by the actions of the audience. Specific algorithm was created for the project to identify those people and their filled symbols that matched. Subsequently synchronized “dance of words” will chronologically appear on the screen in front of the full audience. The members of the audience who, based on the randomness of the algorithm, synchronized with each other will receive a video on their emails with a recording of a video installation- “alphabet dance” that was created at the very moment of their matching. The interactive performance will differ, and “alphabet dance” will be unique each time as it is based on the members of the audience who interacted.
The second part of the digital installation “Synchronicity” will be accompanied by live electronic music. Video installation unites three languages: alphabet, architecture, and mathematics. The crossover of those elements gives the opportunity to represent this experimental spectacle. Mathematics is depicted in digital technologies, architecture in forms and systems, and the alphabet in spoken language. Every action by humans gained its importance over time, as we have the ability of rapid information sharing and easy access for interactions anywhere on the planet. The installation highlights the significance of the trinity for the universe and the importance of people’s involvement at the moment when the future is brought into the present and emphasizes what is happening now. We must comprehend the strength of the feedback that every action can have based on the principle of probability.
As humans are carrying words, numbers and thoughts further matchings are inevitable. The interactive-technological performance “Synchronicity” motivates people to take more steps and highlights that every action ends with a result.
The combination of Georgian language and technological innovations- two important and contradictory phenomena in one space determines the value of the installation. The Georgian language is often seen as an object of pride, a representation of cultural heritage, that often became a tool for political manipulation in the post-Soviet past. Technological innovations cause fear of the unknown in our nation. In this sense, the installation represents an example of harmonious collaboration between old and new and creates a spectacle where the centuries-old alphabet, once depicted on the stones, not only awakens by the modern digital algorithm but also leaves space for interactions, experiments, communications, and emotions. “Synchronicity” can be seen as a bridge connecting cultural heritage with the future, that in digital age is the most efficient way to preserve a nation’s identity, values, and ambitions.
Above-described digital technological interactive performance is the first part of the complete project.
author and creative director of the project – Maka Kiladze
Music – Nathalia Basilaia
Author of the Georgian font – Gio Sumbadze
Author of the animation – Giorgi Tavshavadze
Software Developer – Denis Santuryan
Software Engineer – Temur Chichua