Just to refresh your memory Aaron is a Brooklyn-based artist who worked along with Mike Allison to create the Firewall installation. This installation responds to the human touch to create fire-like visuals and at the same time play music.
Well, after featuring Aaron we got in touch with him to learn more about him and his work and from what we learnt about him, Aaron no doubt is a multi-talented individual. Aaron is a musician turned creative coder.
Aaron always wanted to be a musician and at the young age of 15, he went all professional. As time passed by he moved to the city of New York and once he was there, he played in many bands and has also worked as a studio musician, done production work and composed songs for movies, theater and dance performances.
It was in 2010, Aaron discovered the endless possibilities of creative coding and in 2011, along with his wife Kiori Kawai who is herself a dancer, founded the Purring Tiger, a multi-cultural, experimental performance group dedicated to bringing people together in the context of art, in a subtext of wonder.
Aaron is currently Artist in Residence at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center, New York and is also doing his Masters at NYU's Interactive Telecommunications Program.
To know more about Aaron read on our exclusive interview with him.
Happy reading!
I'm a creative coder, artist and musician. In my work I try to bring people together in a context of art, and a subtext of wonder.
2. We absolutely love your contemporary re-invention of surreal art through your work Firewall. What is the central theme you wish to convey through this piece?
I originally started working on to be used in a dance performance my wife and I were putting together as Artists in Residence at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center (she's a dancer). The piece was about life and death, and the wall was to symbolize a border between the two that the dancers could press into, but not get all the way through.
 |
| Firewall |
 |
| Firewall |
3. Tell us something about the technique you have used to craft this project.
We used a kinect depth camera to sense how far people push the spandex in. We then use that information to trigger the visuals and control the sound. For the sound we created a system that triggers notes one at a time and speeds upa dn gets louder the further people press into the spandex. This lets people play the music expressively like a real musician, who will speed up, slow down, get louder, get softer, and not play like a robot.4. Since you have collaborated with Michael on this project actively, how did you decide to gel in two absolutely different artforms - music & art together? What has been your inspiration to pursue this offbeat stream?
To us, these art forms are not "two absolutely different" entities. We find ourselves often wanting to create motion, to utilize waves, and both light and sound lend themselves to the medium of waves.
5. We read somewhere that your artwork has been an inspiraton for some autistic kids. What are your thoughts on using art as a medium of social change? What has been special contribution in this regard so far?
We'd love to use our work to better the world. We haven't had the opportunity yet, but will pursue it if it presents itself.
6. You are a musician and artist both. What is the creative form you identify more with and why? Has this musical knowledge been of particular use to in other projects besides Firewall?
That's hard to answer. I've been a musician all my life, so I've had quite a bit of formal training in that regard, and have always thought of myself as a musician, but now I think more of myself as a creator of wonder. The imagination drives that, and whichever vehicles serve best at any given moment (and if I have the ability to use those vehicles) are what I'll work with. Having said that I love working with both visuals and sounds at the same time.
 |
| mizaruWave |
 |
| Water In The Desert |
7. What are your thoughts about technology as an essential ingredient of creating art today?
I don't think technology is an essential ingredient in art today. I suppose that depends on your definition of technology though. A paint brush can be considered technology in a certain regard, but I think most of the time when we think of technology we think of things that require electricity. Art is more about creative expression, and that can take any form, any where, at any time.8. There is no shortfall of creative talent in this digital age. However not all artists find that acclaim and platform to showcase their talent. As a successful artist, what in your opinion is key to transforming artists into brands that are valued and sell?
Hmmm, for me I was just making things that I liked, and thought were worthwhile. Luckily other people thought so too!
9. If you could peek into the studio/toolbox/mind of any designer/artist who would it be and why?
Haruki Murakami maybe. Or Bjork, she's the best. Gary Synder definitely!
10. We would love to hear a little about your personal interests, family and your leisure activities.
I live in Brooklyn with my wife Kiori Kawai, an amazing dancer and choreographer, and my cat Transformer. I love biking around Brooklyn, but unfortunately my bike got stolen yesterday! I also like doing Vipassana meditation.
11. What are your future projects? Any special ones you would love to mention in spill the beans about right now?
Right now I'm working very hard on large scale installation we're bringing to Burning Man next month! It's a large transparent structure people can go inside and then interact with a much larger piece of spandex, with different visuals and sounds.
12. Any secret piece of industry wisdom that you'd like to hand out to budding artistic talents?
Work really hard, don't give up, and push yourself to create things you're into. Also, document everything, take video, pictures etc. In this hyper connected world, if it's not up online, then it almost didn't happen. This might sound unfortunate, but it's also much easier to reach a large amount of people at present then it has ever been, so take advantage!
Aaron, thanks for taking out the time and doing this interview with us. It was a great experience learning about you and your inspiring work. Wish you good luck!
To read more exclusive interviews of talented artists like Aaron, you can subscribe to our blog. You can also choose to receive updates via email.
Post a Comment