TransMit; A Programming Language for Live Video Performance

Abstract

This dissertation examines the artistic and technological processes behind designing and implementing TransMit, a culturally situated programming language for live video. I also developed an Ecology of Performing Bodies as part of this research-creation project. This open taxonomy maps the relations between digital artworks’ bodies, agents, and technologies —explicitly drawing from digital media art practices and performing art practices. Simultaneously, I created two projects to test TransMit: encarnadas (f.) embodiments, a dance-performance piece, and afrontaciones (f.) copings, a digital mixed-media installation. The dissertation combines personal struggles, academic journeys, and artistic explorations, reflecting on the socio-cultural experiences that informed this doctoral project. It aims to share technological and creative processes that could be extrapolated to other research-creation fields and projects. It also looks to normalize the fusion of personal narratives with academic and theoretical discourses, fostering a richer understanding of relational processes and shifting the focus from rigid final objectives to collaborative and dynamic explorations. The dissertation starts by delving into the doctoral project’s theoretical framework, exploring and analyzing various taxonomies and classifications and presenting an Ecology of Performing Bodies. This self-designed taxonomy integrates various artistic domains to understand complex relationships within artworks. This taxonomy is later used to analyze the two artistic works I created for this project, dissecting and analyzing them in the two last chapters. The encarnadas (f.) embodiments chapter explores this dance performance project that challenges traditional feminine bodily representation through movement and breathing. The afrontaciones (f.) copings. Narrativas de la Memoria y la Violencia del habitar chapter explores this digital mixed-media installation and an auto-ethnographic storytelling project focusing on the complex layers of inhabiting a city crossed by violence. TransMit ties together the theories and practices above. TransMit is a programming language for Live Video Performance. The second chapter focuses on this tool, exploring the artistic experiences connected to Live coding and Electronic Literature that influenced TransMit, as well as the technical approaches I followed to design it and implement it.