Songs in the language of information : using personal computers to create sounds and graphics for a large scale installation

Abstract

Personal computers are easy to program, inexpensive and portable. With two Commodore 64 computers, I created an artistic installation entitled "Songs in the Language of Information". It was composed of elements reflecting time, space, light, action and predictability. The two computers controlled projected light patterns, complementary synthesized sound and interactive relays triggered by viewers crossing light beams. The following thesis documents "Songs in the Language of Information". The "Introduction" presents background development leading up to this work. All components of the installation are discussed in "Physical Description" and "Analysis of the Work". A survey of selected recent and past work that has been influential to me is outlined in "Historical Precedents". "The Program" illustrates graphic elements, presents flow charts and lists programs of all subroutines used in the installation. The "Conclusion" offers what for me is the next step in my artistic work with computers.