Participating Artist

As an artist, filmmaker and live performer, Torsten Lauschmann celebrates glitches and out-takes, bits in between and images that might be easy to ignore. Based in Glasgow, Scotland over the past decade Torsten’s work has evolved beyond straight photography and film works to investigate the mechanics of digital processes, software creation, experimental editing, approaches to performance and the sculptural potential of video installation. He creates new software for mixing AV freely available to all, holds workshops and screenings on video art practices, and produces sites specifically for other new media practices.

Torsten’s project on their previous show World Jump Day is considered one of the most successful viral jam projects in 2005 as it encouraged scientists and bloggers to discuss the implications of everyone jumping at the same time and potentially shifting the earth’s orbit and reversing global warming. Other projects such as Cold Water Quartet (2003) an audio-visual quarter founded by Torsten and three cold-water fish. ‘Single Fish’ on Bass, ‘Special Fish’ on Piano, ‘Animal’ on drums, with additional sounds and beats by Torsten and Slender Whiteman (2002) a one-man trans-European busking tour, with a solar powered dub system, highlight Torsten’s playful approach to the use and misuse of digital technology in his practice.

Since the mid-1990s Torsten has been exhibiting and performing his artwork/videos/music/software in the UK and internationally, including regular music/DJ collaborative projects (e.g Idealhome, Vene Hammerschlag and the online magazine Egoburger). His work has been shown at the Venice Biennale (2003, 2005) and he received a BAFTA nomination (2000) for his video work ‘Remember things before they happen’.

Torsten N.I.P. interests

In participating in NIP, I hope to be able to share and develop skills and try new or different hardwares and softwares, which could support my current projects and ideas. I am very interested in the stripped down human aspects in Zach Lieberman’s practice. The balance and problem of entertainment and a more functional side of new media (Nesta Project). I am also interested in hearing about processing, which would be helpful for the use of my arduino projects. He also looks like a nice chap.

Michel Waisvisz take on musical interfaces and software, I am especially interested, particularly the software Lick machine, which I think will be very useful for my current project (in development) a orchestral (Hoover and Drill) performance. I also hope I can have a go on a fantastic crackle box.

Christina Kubish’s use of magnetic induction audio works in relation to mobile phone interferences. Also Christina use of light and sound and how that can relate or be used with real-time video. I like the combination of strong physical presence of materials with sound and the use of other energy sources, such as solar power, which is something I have used in a previous project (Slender White Man).

Technologies that Torsten has used

Hardware: Evil Powerbooks, Midi to 220V custom made interface, Miditron, Arduino, Icube, Sensors, anything Video, Anything Midi, Sun.
Software: Video/Audio editing and postproduction, Max/MSP, Nato, Softvns, bit PD, Tester of new developed Gestual Controll Interface at RSAMD.