Embodied Simulation: Immersing Viewers through AI and Dance

AI Tool(s) Used

• AI Motion Capture and Simulation: Artificial intelligence was used to capture and simulate movements of dancers to extend the viewer’s perception.
• Neuroscience Integration: Research from neuroscience regarding “embodied simulation” was incorporated to create an immersive experience where viewers unconsciously mirror and embody the dancers’ movements.

Description of Result

The “Embodied Simulation” project is a multiscreen video and sound installation designed to connect viewers more deeply to the global ecosystem. It employs a combination of AI-driven dance simulations and neuroscience research to foster a sense of interconnectedness between the observer, the environment, and the dancers. By leveraging the phenomenon of “embodied simulation,” where an observer’s brain mirrors the movements they witness, this installation creates an immersive experience where viewers feel as if the movements are happening within their own bodies. The result is a deeply emotional and physical engagement with the artwork, blurring the lines between self, others, and the environment.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Conceptualization: The idea was to explore how people could feel more connected to the global ecosystem through movement and technology, especially considering the cognitive phenomenon of “embodied simulation.”
2. AI Motion Capture: Dancers’ movements were captured using AI tools, and their motion data was integrated into a multiscreen video format.
3. Neuroscience Integration: Neuroscience research on how the brain mirrors others’ movements was applied to enhance the immersive, empathetic engagement of the audience.
4. Video and Sound Installation: The footage was combined into a multiscreen installation, paired with sound design to heighten sensory and emotional experiences.
5. Immersive Environment: The result is a multisensory space where viewers are invited to feel as if they are part of the interconnected dance, simulating the movements in their own bodies.

Tips & Tricks

• Incorporate Neuroscience into Art: By using scientific principles such as “embodied simulation,” you can create a deeper connection between the audience and the artwork, making the experience not only visual but physical.
• Use Multiscreen Installations: Displaying different perspectives on multiple screens can expand the viewer’s engagement and immerse them in the environment you’re creating.
• AI in Dance: AI tools can enhance the way motion is captured, processed, and presented, allowing for precise simulation and fluidity that merges digital and physical art.

Annotation

The artwork “Embodied Simulation” merges artificial intelligence, dance, and neuroscience to create an immersive, ritualistic experience. Through the concept of “embodied simulation,” viewers unconsciously mirror the movements of dancers, extending their bodily perception beyond themselves and into the environment. This cognitive phenomenon allows the audience to physically feel a sense of connection to the dance and, by extension, to the global ecosystem. The installation becomes a sanctuary where visitors are invited to embody interconnection with the environment, blurring the lines between self, others, and nature. By combining AI and neuroscience with the universal language of dance, the project successfully provokes a powerful emotional response that encourages the viewer to reflect on their place within the vast web of life.

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