Jonathan Duckworth. Juried Artist
QUT Creative Industries Precinct, The Block
Performances on June 27 at 1:00 and 3:00PM
Artist Statement
Hagoromo XR is a groundbreaking exploration of cultural fusion and inclusivity in the realm of extended reality (XR) arts performance. Drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese Noh theatre, our performance breathes new life into the ancient tale of Hagoromo, a story involving a fisherman discovering a magical feathered cloak and engaging with a celestial spirit to learn her dance. By bringing together a diverse ensemble of artists, including the neurodiverse sound art ensemble The Amplified Elephants and the acclaimed Noh singer Ryoko Aoki, we create a space where tradition meets innovation.
At the heart of our collaboration lies a commitment to fostering creativity and community among artists of all backgrounds. Through augmented reality (AR) projection and volumetric video capture, the artists transcend physical limitations, ensuring that every voice is heard, and every perspective valued. The result is a hybrid performance that invites audiences to immerse themselves in the mythology of Hagoromo’s narrative, experiencing it in ways both intimate and expansive.
The Hagoromo XR performance serves as a testament to the transformative power of art as a celebration of cultural exchange, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and a reminder that, in the realm of creativity, almost anything is possible.
About the artists
Jonathan Duckworth is an Associate Professor andDirector of CiART (Creative interventions, Art and Rehabilitative Technology), at the School of Design, RMIT. His practice-based research relates to design innovation within allied-health, the arts and human computer interaction technology.
Shigenori Mochizuki is a Professor at Ritsumeikan University and media artist. His research includes interactive digital media arts technologies and interaction design in aged care and disability industry and community sectors.
James Hullick is an Australian sound artist,
composer, performer. He is the CEO of JOLT Arts,
the JOLTED Arts Space, and the BOLT ensemble. He is a mentor to The Amplified Elephants and many artists with and without disability.
Ross Eldridge is a creative coder and senior
programmer at CiART, School of Design, RMIT. He explores the technical side of creating real-time interactive visual and audio experiences.
The Amplified Elephants (Jay Euesden, Katheryn Sutherland, Robyn McGrath, Natalie Walters) are a leading sound art ensemble of neurodiverse artists who identify with intellectual disabilities. Produced by Jolt Arts since 2008 and incubated until 2019 as part of the ArtLife program of the Footscray Community Arts Centre. Mentored by sound artist James Hullick (JOLT Arts) many Elephant’s projects have been presented internationally and in prominent Australian venues.
Ryoko Aoki holds a unique position in the field of Noh theatre as a female singer and performer.
Internationally acclaimed, she is the pioneer of and inspiration for a new artistic form combining Noh with contemporary music.
Credits: A/Prof Jonathan Duckworth; Prof Shigenori Mochizuki; Dr James Hullick; Mr Ross Eldridge; Ryoko Aoki, The Amplified Elephants (Jay Euesden, Stuart Flenley, Robyn McGrath, Natalie Walters)