HYPNAPOD
HYPNAPOD is a live audio-visual artwork generated by the collective biorhythms of snoozing audience members.
Audience members are invited to relax in self-contained cocoon-like pods, which monitor their individual pulses using commercially-available biosensors. The pulses are then sonified to produce a polyrhythmic drone-like soundscape, which is fed back to participants using mini-speakers or headphones. As relaxation deepens, participant pulse rates begin to synchronise, eliciting a dream-like sense of connection.
View the HYPNAPOD dedicated website www.hypnapod.com
Hypnapod at MOFO 2018
12-14 January, QVMAG, Launceston
16-21 January, Brooke Street Pier, Hobart
- Michelle Boyde - Design
- Matt Warren - Sound
- Richie Cyngler - Electronics
- David Patman - Concept
Hypnapod at MPavilion 2017, photo by Alex Cuffe
Inspiration
HYPNAPOD is inspired by the biological processes which enable social engagement and coordination between groups of organisms, without apparent conscious communication. For example, the phenomenon of 'entrainment' in animals, where individual biorhythms spontaneously synchronise, such as fireflies flashing in unison, swarming and flocking behaviour and the alignment of menstrual cycles.
It also references the work of cybernetic artists such as Gordon Pask, in which the output of individual data sources interact and feedback, collectively producing a new and evolving formation.
Development
Originally conceived by David Patman, Michelle Boyde, Matt Warren and Jason James, Hypnapod has been unfolding since 2016:
- Hypnapod premiere: An installation of suspended custom knitted snooze pods from 9-14 February 2017, presented by MPavilion (pictures below), including a special live performance with LA's Tropic of Cancer and dancers Benjamin Hancock and Niharika Senapati (photographed below by Alex Cuffe - scroll down or open and flick through the gallery).
- Colloquy of Hearts: A public art installation of cardiophonic lounge furniture with designer Guy Paramore, commissioned by the Menzies Institute for Medical Research and installed in December 2016.
- M*Sync: a full-moon event presented by MPavilion using moonage beanbags in collaboration with Jonnine Standish (HTRK) and MPavilion's Jessie French on 24 January 2016.
Visit www.hypnapod.com for development and full documentation
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, and is supported through Arts Tasmania by the Minister for the Arts.
We gratefully acknowledge support from our partners.
