Arranging, Moving, Rotating, Packing (Live)

 
2019

A bin-packing algorithm – normally used for the transport or 3d printing industry – is used on a dataset of classical sculptures. This algorithm can calculate the optimal – occupying as less space as possible – packaging of irregular objects in a container.

From this, a selection of the results are translated in a choreography for four dancers – designed in collaboration with choreographer Marjolein Vogels - performed live. Sound is created with the help of two Kinect depth scanners that are triggered by the movements of the dancers.

‘Coralie Vogelaar’s performance Arranging, Moving, Rotating, Packing (2022) reveals the extreme lengths of logistic centres’ efficiency and productivity. These facilities use bin packing algorithms to configure the most compact way of arranging items within a parcel. In Vogelaar’s performance, dancers attempt to replicate these configurations with their bodies, painstakingly trying to accommodate the versatility of an algorithm that lacks human dimension.‘ (from TERMS & EXPECTATIONS. an essay by Barbara Cueto & Bas Hendrikx)

performance. 2 Kinect sensors, 2 NUC computers, 2 7-inch screens, 2 wireless keyboards, 4 tripods, 4 NBL sound boxes. Tape. Four dancers.
20 minutes

Dancers: Vera Goetzee, João Dinis Pinho, Suzanne de Bekker, Daniel Barkan, Patrick Schmatzer (and Marjolein Vogels)
Choreography: Marjolein Vogels
Coding: Ahmed Magdy, Anton Bakhirev, Michael Fogleman
Technique: Jovan Maksimović
Music: Machinefabriek

With the support of: Mondriaanfonds, AFK, Stichting Stokroos, Prins Bernard Cultuurfonds