ARTIFACIAL expression is an art and research project that investigates the computer-controlled human face as a medium for kinetic art and develops algorithms for facial choreography. Small precisely controlled electrical impulses are employed to trigger the facial muscles of a live human person into rendering involuntary expressions. As the human face is controlled by a digital computer instead of a neural brain, it can be made to perform in unexpected ways, bringing together dance and technology in the most direct way imaginable.
Principal artist / researcher Arthur Elsenaar is currently finishing his Ph.D. doctorate work at Nottingham Trent University (UK) after enjoying three years of study at Sheffield Hallam University. He researches the choreographical capabilities of the computer-controlled human face, that challenges the traditional notion of facial expression as a conveyor of emotion and aims to develop a choreographical facial language.
Electrical stimulation of muscles itself is not new and has historic antecedents in the discovery of electricity. A paper entitled: "Electric Body Manipulation as Performance Art: A Historical Perspective" presents a brief look into this fascinating history and has won the 2003 Leonardo Award for Excellence.