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ISEA2011 WORKSHOP: D.i.Y. Hypnosis and Hallucination Machines Workshop


D.i.Y. Hypnosis and Hallucination Machines Workshop

Workshop Leader: Ryan Jordan

An introductory workshop into the practice of psytronics, hardware hacking, sensory overloading, and electro-mysticism.

Is it possible to hypnotise yourself and hallucinate using simple home made electronic devices?

This workshop will focus on building simple hardware synths and controlling lights with 555 timer circuits. Once the circuit has been built the participant will then construct a wearable set of goggles, using the inner rolls from toilet roll and tin foil, which will focus the lights directly into their eyes. The rate the lights flicker and the frequency of audio are synchronised and controlled by the participant so they are able to fine tune the device in order to reveal some unusual visual patterns. For example, you may see psychedelic patterns when the rate of the light approaches flicker fusion, or perceive circular motion when the position of the lights are offset from one another.

In short, you will create your own personal hypnotic, hallucinogenic flickering noise machine.

This workshop is ideal for beginners in hardware hacking and for those interested in psytronics,  stroboscopic light and experimental sound/noise. The participant will learn how to solder, build simple electronic circuits, create a synthesiser and to hypnotise themselves.

The participant will keep everything they make during the workshop and take part in a group performance/hypnotic experiment.
Bio of the Presenter
Ryan Jordan (born Ipswich, 1983) is a UK based electronic artist working with self-made instruments and tools for live interactive performance. His work is focused on movement and the physicality in live electronic performance, noise and underground music, hypnotic trance states, and D.i.Y culture.

He has performed and presented his work internationally in a wide range of venues from art and academic institutions to derelict warehouses and squats.  In 2006 he started noise=noise, a sporadic experimental performance event, which has showcased many artists, academics, hackers, dancers, and performers ranging from the internationally acclaimed to the underground lurker. He directed A10Lab in 2010 which was an experimental audiovisual performance laboratory exploring free and open-source soft and hardware.

Ryan has a BA Sonic Arts from Middlesex University (2007) and a Distinction in MFA Computational Studio Arts from Goldsmiths (2009). He is currently undertaking a PhD at the Music Technology and Innovation Research Centre at De Montfort University.

Contact Email: ryan-jordan@hotmail.co.uk

Posted by:  Ebru Surek