Artcite Inc. presents 'SUNWALK' by Ronnie Clarke, the latest installment of the HOTSPOT live performance series.

HOTSPOT is a livestream performance series exploring interconnectedness and intimacy.

'SUNWALK' is a livestream group performance piece where people are invited to digitally gather and march with one another online. This piece explores progress through isolation, organization in times of lockdown and moving while standing still. Hosted on Jitsi and beginning at sunset, this piece invites participants to sign onto the video conferencing app and perform different sets of movements, together creating a moving, shifting grid. Through the use of a webcam or phone camera, performers are invited to walk in circles around their devices, further translating into a network of shuffling bodies on screen. 'SUNWALK' positions users’ devices as the Sun, or center channel in which we digitally revolve around. Users are also invited to engage in alternate forms of movement by either utilizing the chat feature or physically reaching towards the Sun. This piece gives us the chance to mark the passing of time, to become a crowd of planets and simply move across distances together.

This work welcomes audience participation and will come with a more detailed set of movements and instructions posted before the event. These instructions will also be posted in the Jitsi chat ahead of the performance.

If you have any questions about accessibility please email imogen@artciteic.ca, who can assist and connect folks with the artist.

Bio

Ronnie Clarke is an emerging artist based in Toronto, Ontario. Clarke’s work blends elements of choreography, dance, movement, collaboration, video and installation. She is interested in how language manifests, becomes translated and is mediated in the digital age. She explores the poetics of digital spaces; using movement she investigates how technology plays a role in our interactions with others. She earned her BFA at Western University in London, Ontario.

Artist statement and bio curtesy of the artist.
Image curtesy of the artist.

SUNWALK Performance Instructions

SUNWALK begins at 8:30 pm EST on Saturday July 25th. At 8:30 pm, a link to the video performance on Jitsi Meet will be posted in this Facebook event. Please click on the link to join us for the performance. The performance will last approximately 20-30 minutes. Once you click on the link and join the video conference, your webcam will automatically be switched to “Off”. Your device’s microphone will also automatically be switched to “Off”.

SUNWALK incorporates different forms of movement. Some movements require use of a webcam or phone camera. Participation encourages turning these devices “ON”. The artist will supply a soundtrack to accompany the performance. Once the soundtrack begins, you can participate by performing a corresponding set of movements. There are three kinds of movement and typing-based actions that you can choose from:

WALKING: This action involves use of your feet. Place your computer on the floor, or prop up your smartphone and place it on the floor. Switch your webcam to “On”. Stand in front of your device, so that your feet and lower legs appear on camera. To the beat of the soundtrack, begin to walk in full circles around your device on the floor. Ensure you have enough space to walk around. If you choose this action, please wear dark socks or footwear. This action is open to interpretation as the soundtrack changes; you may walk forwards, backwards, on tip toe, or change the length of your steps throughout the performance.
REACHING: This action involves use of your arms/hands. Place your device in a place of your choosing, perhaps on a desk or on your lap. Switch your webcam to “On”. The idea for this action is to “reach for the Sun”. On camera, extend your hand up vertically, or horizontally in front of you, and open and close your hand to the beat of the soundtrack. Feel free to alternate between or use both hands, however you are comfortable.
TYPING: This action involves use of your keyboard and the Jitsi chat feature. The chat can be found at the bottom left of the screen. You are welcome to use the asterisk “*”, any sun-related emojis, or any of the following sun symbols, ⊙, ☼,☀, 🌞 and copy them into the chat field. Type to the beat of the soundtrack or type these symbols in the chat as you please throughout the performance. Press enter to send a message.

We will have a few minutes at the beginning of the performance to allow everyone to set up. It is a good idea to have your device set up a few minutes ahead of the performance.

If joining the call using a smartphone, please download the free Jitsi Meet application from the App Store or Android Store.

Set your screen to “tile view”; on desktop this button is in the bottom right of the screen. On smartphone this is found in “More Options” and setting Tile View - this is to see everyone in a grid formation and for a more optimal experience.

Make sure your microphone is turned off throughout the performance.

Looking forward! If you have any questions please let the organizers know ahead of the performance.

Performance instructions were provided by the artist.

Event here: http://meet.jit.si/SUNWALK2020

Password: SUNWALK