NOT YOUR BODY, just my shadow

Poster for the Workshop — Picture and Poster Credits: Hannah Johnson

As part of our NAVET for Students initiative, we are excited to host Hannah Johnson's vision for the workshop 'NOT YOUR BODY, just my shadow;' exclusively as part of NAVET Week 2024! Read more to know about the details of the workshop, and to sign up via our registration form below.

Description

This workshop explores the hold of technology on our bodies, specifically in collecting our movement data. With the development of immersive reality technologies, motion capture is becoming an increasingly common practice. Together we will initiate a conversation about the ethics of movement collection, looking to you, a body owner, as an expert.

Motion data has been used in many applications, including rehabilitation therapy, surveillance, dance, and animation. For example, Wayne McGregor trained an AI model to learn the movement style of 10 dancers. This application illustrates that movement holds an aspect of our identity.

“Years after his passing, I vividly remember the slow nonchalant shuffle of my grandfather, hands clasped behind his back to quiet the tremor.” If movement holds such intimate information, should it not be protected? Motion capture can change our interactions with technology, making them more physical and reducing user isolation. However, there must be caution in viewing movement as data, as it is an intrinsic expression of our personhood.

During the workshop, participants will participate in an activity to reclaim ownership of their bodies. By looking at the shadows of dancing, we will explore what elements of identity they hold. This will be followed by a critical discussion, where participants can contribute to multidisciplinary conversations about the ethics of motion capture technology and imagine future attitudes towards the value of our bodies.

Join in “staying with the trouble”, spending time with your body, and sharing your felt experience to expand this conversation.

representative images submitted by Hannah Johnson — Picture Credits: Hannah Johnson

Practical Information

When and where does the event happen?- Dec 12th 17:30-21:00, at KTH Reaktorhallen

Food will be provided for registered participants.

How many people can attend? - Max 30 people

Are there any requirements to attend? - No specific background knowledge or expertise needed

Just take a look at look at “ Living Archive: Creating Choreography with Artificial Intelligence ” before coming.

Is sign-up required? - Yes, you must fill out the form (See below!)

Do not hesitate to get in touch at navet-centre@kth.se if you have any questions!

Host information

Hannah is a multi-passionate human who enjoys finding the glimmers in life. Her greatest joy is dancing, with its ephemeral quality of bringing people together.

As an interaction designer, she explores the entanglements between technology, disability justice, environmental awareness, and embodiment. As a dancer, she has been redefining dance as an accessible community-building practice. Hannah aims to weave her technical background into a tapestry of art and activism. She is pursuing her master’s in Interactive Media Technology at KTH.

Hannah constantly seeks ways to participate in the community and engage with multi-disciplinary projects, so please feel free to reach out: hajohnson3m.github.io .

Picture Credits: Annika Alper

Registration Form - Sign up for the Workshop!

Please note that we can host a maximum of 30 attendees, so please fill out this registration form to express your interest in participation and to lock your spot!

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.

Content by: Helena Linder, Hannah Johnson
Web Update by: Kajol Rafi