The Sensory Totem
A Collaboration Between Giorgio Cattaneo and Felipe Vareschi
The Project
The Sensory totem is an interactive multimedia installation that explores the interconnectedness of electronics in our everyday lives. Electronics of any kind emit signals in the electromagnetic spectrum, these signals are not audible to us, but they form the basis for the communication between digital devices and electronics. In society, we are connected to one another through our devices, this installation interrogates how our devices connect to each other and how we can consciously engage with these communications.
The Space
The installation was first hosted by Signals Festival 2021 in Berlin at the Funkhaus. The two artists created an immersive multichannel audiovisual experience in the space by strategically positioning a control surface, two electromagnetic microphones and a display to allow for both single and collective audience interactivity.
Audience members performed in the space by operating electronics close to two EMF microphones, the sound they generated could be controlled through a central touch interface. The audiences were presented in real-time with a spatialized interpretation of their performance and a live 3d representation of the sounds captured by the EMF microphones
The Objects
Audience members were encouraged to use their own electronic devices in the space but were also presented with a series of household electronics that could be interacted with. Audiences were given the chance to explore the various tonalities and presentations that different objects and technologies provide.
The installation site also contributed to the sounds of these objects as during the course of the festival, the electromagnetic signature of all devices, electronics, lights and computers in the space affected the sound field generated by the Sensory Totem.
The Audience
Audience members were could perform and interact in the space either alone or in collaboration with others. As the installation progressed, moments of collaborative music and visual production emerged, and connections between individuals were forged through the installation.
Audio Documentation
This is a Binaural Recording (headphones recommended for listening). Whilst it does not compare to the experience of interacting with the installation it is a good primer for the overall sonic aesthetic chosen for the piece.