LASER HARP

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Project to demonstrate 'Physical Human Computer Interaction' & the 'playing' of video, like the playing of a musical instrument.

Video of Harp

 
 

  • OLAFFALO the electric elf. Performing with the Laser Video Harp. Melbourne Performing Arts Center - 2000.

The Laser Video Harp has been exhibited and performed by Olaf Meyer nationally and internationally. In 2000, Olaf used the laser harp to demonstrate topics of 'improvised video performance', 'experimental human-computer interfaces' and 'visual trance' at a lecture at Victoria University (Melbourne) and at Electro-Fringe Festival (Newcastle).

In 2001 Olaf gave a public speech and performance as part if the 'Technart Festival' exhibition workshops, Rotterdam Netherlands. Part of the Rotterdam 2001 Cultural Capital of Europe Fund.

  • LASER HARP assisted by Kevin Lewis and Mark Good, Electronics by AJ and Olaf Meyer. Electronics have since been greatly simplified.

 

LASER VIDEO HARP - Video Instrument / Interactive Sculpture by Olaf Meyer.

Interactive sculpture using light as the medium of human-computer interaction, presenting digital audio and video.

Development was sponsored by RMIT UNION ARTS. Visual Content is all pre-programmable by the user with software VS .

Being made of wood, plastic, light and sound, the 'Laser Video Harp' is a true manifestation of the word 'multimedia'. While playing the harp, the user (performer) does not touch any kind of physical matter at all, the hand only passes through light. This means that when it is used as an instrument the performer must stay visually aware of his movement as s/he has no feedback from his/her sense of touch.

The Laser Video Harp is a 'Video instrument'. It was created to give a more physical interface to systems that play and effect video in real-time. The harp is used as an instrument for the performance of live improvisational video. It could be said that the type of interaction the Laser Video Harp displays is totally non physical as the interaction occurs not with physical matter but light. Although there is defiantly a more physical difference in the bodies movement when compared with the actions of using the standard keyboard and mouse.

Using custom circuitry and custom software the harp can be programmed to trigger any midi device or visual sequence.