out of the box
Laptop performances are typified by static immobile performers and mysterious
digital activity coming from within the secrecy of the CPU. I've long been jealous
of laptop artists who run up to the stage without a soundcheck and plug in and
rip, a simple existence, but I resisted the urge to make laptop-only pieces
until a satisfying concept presented itself to me. Out of the Box uses the built-in
microphone for audio input, so that the body of the computer becomes an instrument
for physical sounds and feedback. It can be disconnected from all cables and
spun around, opened and closed, played with fingers bows mouth tongue, even
put to sleep and awoken. It is an opportunity to play with the sacred body fo
the computer as if it were physical and mortal, and to perform outwardly the
processes within. it's a chance to jump around, clap, bark and pretty much be
a monkey.