Bodily Equilibrium, Interaction, and Spatial Harmony in a Space with Digital Interactive Systems and Contact Improvisation / Kohei Nakatsu (2023)

This research is a Practice as Research initiative, where I explored and developed the bodily experience and perception associated with using an interactive system. This system uses an iPhone as its interface, allowing changes in the studio space environment of visuals and sounds through bodily movements. From a Somatic perspective, this research explores various interactions that emerge between space and other individuals, further investigating the nature of these interactions and their evolution. Additionally, the study aims to gain insights into the role of the interactive system. Through on a phenomenological lens, I conducted studio research under four different conditions: (1) my solo dance, (2) my solo dance with an interactive system, (3) contact improvisation, and (4) contact improvisation with an interactive system. In addition, I further developed this process along with a Graduation showcase and examined the singularity of the relationship between bodily movement and systems. In this research, I focused on the internal representation of body parts’ positions and movements, known as body-schema, and conducted observations on this aspect. Research focusing on body embodiment, which explores how one’s self-expression, derived from the relationships formed in different environments centred around the use of interactive systems, can be expanded, and transformed, provided insights into the balance and harmony of oneself. This research also yielded reflections on communication, human behaviour, and one’s own identity. The results obtained from various aspects aligned with the phenomenological framework which suggests the body as a key medium in shaping our understanding of the world.