How would you describe the central themes or messages in your art practice?
-I am exploring more possibilities for the places performing arts can provide. I have been researching how to integrate digital technology into the human body to create a platform for sharing empathy beyond personal experiences. I intend to develop this research in my art. Wars and conflicts are everywhere in the world. I realized the emergent need to understand my role as an artist, which is also the issue I constantly have faced and will face as I travel and relocate the places I have lived.
My medical background and a profound appreciation for the natural world deeply influence my art practice. I'm fascinated by nature's harmony and the potential for humans to restore it. Just as mycelium connects different plants and trees, enabling them to share nutrients and communicate, performing arts create a communal space. This space allows diverse individuals to come together, share their narratives, and draw emotional resonance, leading to a deeper understanding of others' lives. This communal aspect is crucial to my work, suggesting a new approach to creating a shared space for everyone and creating new stories that would make the world better.
Can you tell us about your creative process? How does an idea become a finished piece?
-In my choreographic process, I embark on a journey of transformation, breaking and deconstructing the materials I have previously created. This act of throwing away familiar forms becomes a powerful symbolic gesture, inviting viewers to engage in a dialogue with my choreography. By re-establishing these elements in an abstract manner, I create a landscape that is open to personal interpretation and imagination, encouraging viewers to become active participants in the dance.
Each movement seeks to challenge perceptions, encouraging audiences to explore beneath the surface and find meaning in the unexpected. I carefully layer in my choreographies and open a space for emotional resonance and personal reflection. The abstraction of choreography allows viewers to infuse their own narratives into the dance. Through this process, I strive to evoke a sense of curiosity, inviting everyone to participate in a collective experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional choreography. In essence, I create not just to be seen but to inspire imagination.
What is one project or piece that holds special significance to you, and why?
-My artistic journey, a unique exploration of human relationships, presence, and inner struggles, is distinguished by its focus on the interplay between humans and their life circumstances. It delves into how people respond to the events that shape their lives.
The choreography I created the first time I started living with diverse cultures outside my home country became a milestone. I created the work with my struggles in many aspects and levels. 'Las Meninas' (2014, Suzanne Dellal Center, Tel Aviv) is a powerful exploration of the fragility of the individual's identity inside the dynamic of a group, a theme that resonates universally in the never-ending internal struggle to maintain connection and happiness.
How has the integration of technology influenced your work or artistic vision?
-Introducing digital technology into the physicality of dance can break the fourth wall, opening up to a new, emerging audience. While the creative process may involve some friction between physicality and digital content, the shared creative foundations of curiosity, experimentation, and serendipity among science, technology, and art can lead to innovative outcomes.
My experience choreographing collaborations with digital content for multimedia productions in the performing arts has revealed the complexity of such endeavors. The high degree of collaboration and synchronization required between artists on stage artists and technical ideas is a challenge, but it's a challenge worth undertaking. Despite the technical and linguistic barriers, the ultimate goal remains the same: to achieve harmony and wholeness in performance.
Whether it's digital content or not, many elements come together around the body in a performance, all part of the choreography. I've come to realize that the medium is not the focus. What truly matters is that every element of the performance, including digital content, contributes to creating a sense of wholeness within the harmony of human beings, nature, and technology. This is what transcends boundaries.
How do you see the concept of “authorship” evolving with the rise of AI and digital tools in art?
-When I create my works, I often draw inspiration from the physical work of other artists or the world around me. However, my unique perspective, shaped by my personal experiences, emotions, connections, and expressions, truly defines my art. This personal touch sets my work apart and contributes to the development of culture and art. In contrast, the process of AI creation, AI data collection, and applying algorithms to create output can result in works that lack reinterpretation or emotion, like replicating patterns and styles from the original works.
As an artist, I am intrigued by the potential for collaboration with this side of AI creation. So far, in my creation process, I don't recognize much difference between drawing inspiration from other works and AI-generated work related to the "authorship" issue. However, considering the features of AI creation, the concept of "authorship" is a complex topic deeply related to the fundamental question of creativity and requires careful discussion.
What drew you to apply for this residency?
-As I looked forward to my choreographic journey, this residency stood out as the best opportunity to explore the integration of emerging digital tools and AI. I am eager to see how this experience will enhance my artistic practices and push creative boundaries, fostering a sense of growth and learning.
As a choreographer, I've experienced a sense of empowerment and control through the transformative integration of AI technologies. One of my critical projects involved using AI-generated images for a video dance, which allowed me to explore new visual narratives and aesthetics that complemented the movement. The AI tool enabled me to create unique backdrops and imagery environments that resonated with the emotional and physical expressions, enhancing the overall impact of the performance. I hoped to collaborate more with AI to develop this art practice, besides research and discussions, by being mentored by experts, including Hokusai, during this residency.
What do you hope to achieve or explore during your time in this residency, and what impact do you want your work to have on viewers?
-During my residency, I aspire to evolve as a choreographer and contribute significantly to the discourse on AI in the arts, thereby enhancing the experiences of both creators and audiences. I aim to investigate the interplay between AI, dance, and narrative construction. By documenting the outcomes of these collaborations, I strive to foster a more profound understanding of the impact of technology on artistic expression. In the process of collaborating with AI, I am eager to explore the ethical dimensions of AI, understanding its multifaceted nature to establish a solid foundation for my work.
Through my artwork, I aim to share the opportunity to experiment and think about issues such as the ethics of AI and its impact on our identities. This increased awareness can challenge viewers to engage critically with current global events and technological advancements. I hope my artwork can lead the viewers to reflect on their identities in relation to technology and the global landscape. This exploration can encourage individuals to consider their roles in broader societal issues.
How do you envision artificial intelligence as a collaborator in your creative process?
-As I work on my body as a choreographer, I also work on the memories in my body constantly. I want to experience how I can remain in service to my body memory, human creativity, and my unique voice by forging a visionary collaboration where AI suggests unexpected paths to enrich my expression.
Envisioning AI as a collaborator in my artistic practice opens innovative possibilities. By integrating AI into my choreography, I tap into its potential to inspire fresh movement ideas, variations, and even impossible movements for the human being, all based on my themes and emotional intentions. This collaborative approach allows me to experiment with different styles and interpretations and keeps the creative process intriguing and exciting.
In what ways do you think AI can expand the possibilities of visual storytelling?
-I am interested in expanding the visual storytelling possibilities in my choreography by creating multi-layered, immersive, and interactive experiences that captivate and engage audiences in new and innovative ways. I want to challenge traditional storytelling boundaries while embracing these possibilities, which allow for the development of narratives that combine technology, movement, and emotion.
The possibility of integrating real-time AI-generated images with choreography opens up an interactive canvas in the performance. It can allow a fluid storytelling experience and help audiences engage more profoundly with the performance. This integration creates a dialogue between movement and imagery, fostering an ever-evolving artistic landscape that can keep the audience engaged and connected.
What advice would you give to emerging artists navigating the intersections of art, technology, and the digital space?
-Even when your work involves technology and the digital space, it's crucial to remember that your art is a reflection of your experiences, emotions, and expressions. Dance every day, take walks in nature, and engage in human interactions - these elements give your art its human touch, fostering a connection and empathy with your audience!