Commissioned concept, content and design for an interactive audio-photography exhibition utilising an innovative technology which had been developed by Hewlett Packard Research Labs.
Pre-recorded audio files are triggered by placing photographs onto the surface of the Weegie* table, which can accommodate up to 18 different images at any one time.
The audio is played through 4 small speakers, positioned above head-height around the table, the surface of which acts as the physical control interface – pull the image closer to you, the soundtrack gets louder... Push it away to lower the volume... Pass it across the table to the person opposite and the sound appears there!
Working with different community groups and individuals, 6 audio-photography sets were developed for the show, each ‘located’ in Govan but exploring different ways in which the medium might be exploited in the future: from individual, personal histories to a tour of the shipyard, by way of fiction, local politics, new architecture, country music and the impending smoking ban!
Each ‘story’ was built around a principal narrative, augmented with sound effects, music etc, each recorded as a separate audio-photograph and triggered by placing it on the table. These compositional ‘sets’ are re-configured by the listener as they interact with the stories: there are no rules and no synchronised starts, so every hearing of each story is a unique experience.
Weegie was shown at the LUV Gallery, Govan Glasgow, 2006, the content developed in collaboration with Esme McLeod and commissioned by David Frohlich / Surrey University, Stephen Barr / Govan Initiative, Mark Blythe / Leonardo Network
*Weegie is local slang for a native of Glasgow - Glaswegian - which seemed too obvious not to use as a title what with the obvious connotation of Ouija boards, voices from the ether etc!