In times of physical and social distancing, we investigate the future of touch and pose the question – can we experience touch online?
Come alone or with a friend or family member and join us for TOUCH LAB 2 to test the latest iteration of Touch My Touch, a pioneering new artwork that uses facial biometric monitoring technologies to facilitate a new playful touching ritual that allows audiences to connect with those they may be distanced from. We invite you to hear more about the ideas behind the work and feedback to the artists about your experience to aid the future development of this commission ahead of its public launch in June 2021.
Touch is a necessity for life, it is key to empathy, wellbeing and social cohesion. It makes us feel connected, safe and together. At a time when we have been prevented from physically meeting, online technologies have extended our visual and sonic abilities beyond space and time. Now, Touch My Touch invites communities across the world, to explore what touch in the digital realm feels like.
Touch My Touch looks to reframe current debates around facial recognition software which commonly focus on privacy and shared agency online, and instead presents online touch as a playful explorative experience by reimagining the future of these technologies.
This work is informed by Karen Lancel and Hermen Maat’s ongoing research into monitoring people’s brain activity whilst they caress their own and others (virtual) faces – this research led to the discovery that creating a “shared portrait of touch” evokes strong communal memories and can lead to an emotional connection.
During this workshop you will:
• Meet the artists and hear more about Touch My Touch
• Test the latest version of Touch My Touch together with a partner or another member of the group
• Engage in dialogue about your experience. Your feedback will then inform TOUCH LAB 3 that focuses on the final prototype of the work.
TOUCH LAB 2 is part of a series of 3 TOUCH LABS, to develop the artwork Touch My Touch enabling participants to experience the notion of touch online.
Workshops are suitable for all ages. No prior technological knowledge is required!
Touch My Touch (2021) by Karen Lancel and Hermen Maat is curated and commissioned by UP Projects for 'This is Public Space', with generous support by the Arts Council England. It is developed in collaboration with Mondriaan Fund, Delft University of Technology, Lectorate Image in Context, Minerva Art Academy Groningen, University of Groningen, The Beach Amsterdam-West, MAB Media Architecture Biennial 2021-2023 Public Art Lab Berlin.