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Jody Sperling considers the dynamic conversation between technology and nature as played out in the performance art of Loïe Fuller (1862-1928) and her own Fuller-inspired creations. Considered a technological wizardress, Fuller advanced the technologies of lighting and projection design often for the effect of conjuring natural elements onstage. Sperling has been furthering Fuller's idiom into the ecological arena with a focus on creating dances that evoke natural processes, such as melting ice and changing wind patterns. Sperling discusses her emergent theory/practice of ecokinetics as a dance corollary to ecoacoustics, a form of music composition in which human-nature interactions are examined through technological mediation. The presentation includes media representing Fuller's oeuvre and Sperling's recent ecokinetics productions that are a collaboration with ecoacoustics composer Matthew Burtner.

Following the presentation, Sperling will join a panel discussion with John Toenjes (Dance), Chiara Vincenzi (Art & Design: Experimental Fashion), Gillen Wood (English; Earth Science & Environmental Change), Jenny Oyallon-Koloski (Media & Cinema Studies), and Kim Curtis (Theatre).

Hosted by: Department of Dance

In conjunction with: Beckman Institute for Advanced Science & Technology, Center for Innovation in Teaching & Learning, Department of Earth Science & Environmental Change, Department of French & Italian, Department of Gender & Women's Studies, Department of Kinesiology, Department of Media & Cinema Studies, Department of Theatre, European Union Center, Games Study & Design, Humanities Research Institute, Krannert Art Museum, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Program in Art History, School of Art + Design, School of Earth, Society & Environment, Spurlock Museum