On Movement, Structure and Abstraction in Generative Audiovisual Improvisation

This paper overviews audiovisual performance systems that form the basis for my recent collaborations with improvising musicians. Simulations of natural processes, such as fluid dynamics and flocking, provide the foundations for “organic”looking movement and evolution of abstract visual components. In addition, visual components can morph between abstract non-referential configurations and pre-defined images, symbols or shapes. High-level behavioral characteristics of the visual components are influenced by realtime gestural or audio input; each system constitutes a responsive environment that participating musicians interact with during a performance.