Operations in mixed reality

Abstract

The Operature (2014), the first work of Anatomical Theatres of Mixed Reality (ATOM-r), is a live performance and augmented reality poem engaging themes of anatomical science and spectacle. The work's choreography and use of technology are influenced by research into a series of diverse anatomical histories including early-modern surgical theatres, Francis Glessner Lee's miniature crime-scene re-enactments, known as the Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death, and The Stud File, an autobiographical record of the sexual exploits of Samuel Steward, a twentieth-century tattoo artist, gay pornographer and friend of Gertrude Stein. This writing traces the development of the work and its attempt to create a fluid integration of live performance and computational systems.

Keywords:

• embodiment
• performance
• augmented reality
• mixed reality
• surgery
• forensics
• tattoo
• queer

Acknowledgements

Anatomical Theatres of Mixed Reality (ATOM-r) is a collective exploring twenty-first-century embodiment through performance, language and emerging technologies. Participants include Mark Jeffery (choreography), Judd Morrissey (technology and dramaturgical systems), Justin Deschamps, Sam Hertz, Christopher Knowlton and Blake Russell (performers). Available online: atom-r.tumblr.com, facebook.com/atomrmixedreality and vimeo.com/user2965888

The Operature is partially supported by a grant from Chicago Dancemakers Forum with commissioning support from Electronic Literature as a Model for Creativity and Innovation in Practice. Additional funding has come from King's College Creative Futures Initiative, Foundation for Contemporary Arts and UK Fulbright Commission. Support in exchange for workshops has come from Dance4, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, York St John University, King's College and University of Sussex. Presentations have taken place at Edinburgh College of Art, Performing House (York St John), Sullivan Galleries (Chicago), Defibrillator Gallery (Chicago), Hyde Park Salon (Chicago), Chicago Cultural Center, Bergen Bibliotek (Norway), Le Cube (Paris), Anatomy Theatre & Museum (London) and MCA Chicago. ATOM-r works in residence at the National Museum of Health and Medicine Chicago.

Notes on contributors

Judd Morrissey is a writer and digital artist whose works of electronic literature, interdisciplinary performance, and installation have been widely and internationally presented. He is the creator of digital literary works including The Precession: An 80 Foot Long Internet Art Performance Poem (2009–2011), The Jew's Daughter (Electronic Literature Collection, 2006), My Name is Captain, Captain (Eastgate Systems, 2002), and The Last Performance [dot org] (2009). He is the co-founder of the collective Anatomical Theatres of Mixed Reality (ATOM-r) and teaches as an Assistant Professor in Art and Technology Studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.