From Zombies to Cyborg Bodies: Extra Ear, Exoskeleton and Avatars

Abstract

This chapter is about what is seen to be meaningful in performances and the ideas that are generated by the actions in them. Sometimes, existing available instruments and technology are used. For example, in the body amplification performances with the Third Hand, medical instruments to monitor and pre-amplify body signals were used. The Third Hand was based on prosthetic devices and research at the time, but as a constructed object, it is unique. However, it is not always possible to simply access technology. The Stomach Sculpture that was inserted inside the body for the Fifth Australian Sculpture Triennale was an object constructed from scratch. To achieve it, the assistance of a jeweller and a micro-surgery instrument maker were needed. The team used an endoscope to track the insertion and to document it on video. Also with the Exoskeleton, there has been research and construction of small walking robots. A new contribution was the design of the six-legged spider-like robots large enough to support a human body. The control system is unique too. The leg motions are controlled by arm gestures; magnetic sensors on the segments of the jointed exoskeleton, which wraps around the upper body, indicate to the computer which mode of locomotion and the robot’s direction is selected.