Radiant Soma is an interdisciplinary collaboration between Jayson Haebich, Eugenia Kim, and Alvaro Cassinelli that uses lasers, motion capture data, and phospherescence to create an ethereal and contemplative experience. Inspired by Korean shamanism and Western Stone Tape Theory, Radiant Soma presents an alternative reality where phosphorescent “rocks” act as shamans by absorbing the laser light “energy” and transforming them into different configurations.
The project began as a philosophical conjecture on how a machine might visualise its own body based on its understanding of human somatic movement practises. Lasers were considered to be the most appropriate method for translating from digital data into the physical realm as it is simultaneously tangible and malleable. For this work, we used the motion capture data of Eugenia’s choreographic work Oncheon. The mocap data held special significance for two reasons. First, it combined the structure of salpuri, a traditional Korean shamanic dance to expel spirits, with contemporary dance and somatic movement. Second, Oncheon was performed and recorded despite triggering severe chronic pain and fatigue. It is unlikely that it can ever be performed again by the original choreographer/performer.
(The above text is from https://www.radiantsoma.art/about)
Since its initial completion in December 2021, Radiant Soma has been featured in a lecture performance as part of the SerendiCity media arts festival (Hong Kong) and in A Constantly Recurring Night as part of the Kaleidoscope V residency performance under Sigma Contemporary Dance (Singapore). It has also been presented at the 2022 SIGGRAPH Art Gallery and the MOCO 2022 conference. A new derivative work is currently in planning as of April 2024.
Oncheon was developed as a re-interpretation of the salpuri (soul cleansing) traditonal Korean dance using contemporary and somatic movement practices, motion capture, and a virtual immersive environment.
A creator or viewer of virtual experiences may have residual “spirits” after working on or viewing a project. By entering this VR experience, the creator or viewer could “cleanse” themselves. The movement style is inspired by the slowness and resistance encountered in an oncheon or hot spring while moving. Likewise, the desired effect is that of having gone through the ritual of bathing in an oncheon. The use of salpuri and oncheon as starting points is reflective of Eugenia’s Korean cultural heritage; the re-interpretation through Western movement styles is reflective of her Western upbringing.
To see the motion capture data rendered and transformed as abstract motion trails, please view the video below:
Click here to read the EVA London 2020 paper about the process
Special thanks to the School of Creative Media, City University of Hong Kong, Swinburne University Centre for Media Technologies, and MetaObjects (HK) for their support and services.