Performing Photography: Images From My Father

Paul Feder

Photographic material from a past era is a static record, yet a sense of performance, life, and immediacy can be drawn out and amplified through live image processing and a close interaction with music.

Couple

http://www.paulfeder.com

Classes

Final Project Seminar

Keywords

Multimedia Performance, Photography, Live Image Processing

Description

This project encompasses a multimedia performance of my own musical compositions paired with still photographs and silent films by my father, Jack Feder. The imagery, shot all around the world in the 1960s/70s, is made performable through the use of interactive technology. In this work, music has been written for the images, and the imagery is performed and projected alongside live musicians, creating an interactive dialogue to help draw the spectator deeper into the world of the photograph.

Personal Statement

My background is in electronic music, filmmaking and theater. At ITP, I have brought my interests together. My father is a photographer, and over the years has accumulated many compelling images and 8mm films that I want to display in a dynamic audio/visual performance.

Background

Decasia (2002) Bill Morrison/ Michael Gordon
Koyaanisqatsi (1983) Godrey Reggio, Philip Glass
Philip Glass: Shorts (2001) Concert/ Screening at MASS MoCA

Audience

Modern classical music listeners
Fans of old cinema
People interested in multimedia performance

Implementation

I intend to combine my father’s still photographs and silent films with my own musical compositions in a live performance setting. The imagery will be projected on a screen behind the musical performers (a string quartet). In bringing live music and photographic imagery together in performance, I will create a theatrical/ cinematic experience for the audience.

Additional Documents