Free — Limited Seats
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VIVO Media Arts and IM4 Media Lab is thrilled to invite you for a lecture and demonstration exploring “transformation” as a core concept in digital art production facilitated by Yota Kobayashi and Ryo Kanda.

One of the key approaches in digital art production involves transforming materials (e.g., visual, sound, light, etc.) and restructuring them into visuals or spaces that convey different meanings. This lecture focuses on the concept of “transformation” as a framework for exploring the foundational ideas and techniques of digital art production. It also presents a demo video created using materials—such as graffiti and landscape photography—specifically sourced from Canada for this session, alongside an overview of the tools and production processes involved. The aim is to provide a structured understanding of both the conceptual and technical basis of digital art.

1. ‍Introduction of the facilitators and the production of Kūsou
   The essence of Kūsou lies in the way a static work of calligraphy unfolds into imagery resembling a dynamic landscape. We will begin the lecture by discussing the fundamental ideas and techniques of digital art that underpin this work, then explain the techniques used to create it, and finally explore how using different materials could lead to different forms of expression. Through this introductory part, we hope the participants will gain a deeper understanding of—and perhaps a sense of familiarity with—the world of digital art.
2. Basic structure of digital art: Why is transformation possible?
   We will explain that transformation is possible because all source materials—whether sound or image—can be treated equally as “data.”
3. Artistic expression through transformational data manupulation
   Building on point 2, we will introduce how manipulating that data can become artistic expression, discussing fundamental techniques in digital art, such as repetition and noise.
4. Break
5. Introduction of digital art production tools
   This part includes the demonstration of creation point clouds from scanned images and tools used in the production.
6. Demonstration with materials sourced from Canada
7. Summary and Q&A

No prior knowledge of digital art production is necessary to attend this event. Anyone who is interested in creating digital art and TouchDesigner can participate.

Refreshments will be provided.

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The workshop is supported by VIVO Media Arts Centre, Formscape Arts, and IM4 Media Lab, developed with the participation of the British Columbia Arts Council, Creative BC and the Province of BC.

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This event is part of the Shiki & Kū installation, taking place at VIVO Media Arts from September 13 to 28, 2025.