The Science and Art of Motion Lab
The Science and Art of Motion Lab is a collaborative research space for scientific and creative projects that center around embodiment and human movement. Ranging from the neuroscience of embodiment to biomechanics, from dance and choreography to motion capture and interactive performance technologies, the Lab exists for the transdisciplinary study of movement from artistic and scientific perspectives.
The Lab is directed by ICAT research fellows Julia Basso (neuroscience), Robin Queen (biomedical engineering/orthopedic surgery), and Scotty Hardwig (dance/performance), and is a resource for faculty and students engaging in projects centered around movement across disciplinary boundaries.
Current Projects
Epiphany machine: a contemporary dance concert using electroencephalography (EEG) for real-time visualization of dancers' brain waves during performance. Funded through the Institute for Creativity, Arts and Technology Major SEAD Grant (2023)
Preliminary investigation of adaptive training in recreational runners to improve psychological readiness, joint coordination, and movement variability. Study on adaptive training techniques that merge neuroscience and biomechanics in their effectiveness in injury prevention, rehabilitation, and improved athletic performance
Carving out creativity: Exploring body-mind connections to scale across boundaries in art. A project led by a team of engineers, neuroscientists, and artists that spans science and art. The project aims to examine the relationship between physical activity and brain function in artistic processes, namely stone carving. Funded through the Institute for Creativity, Arts and Technology Major SEAD Grant (2023)
Investigations on the use of music therapy for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregiver: Study on the effects of music therapy on individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their caretakers. This study seeks to explore the benefits of music therapy on social connection and inter-brain synchrony. Funded through the Institute for Creativity, Arts and Technology Major SEAD Grant (2021)
Past Projects
Embodied Art (2023): contemporary dance performance featuring the recording of brain activity via electroencephalography from several dancers and the sonification of brain activity in real-time as the performers engage in solo and interactive movement experiences [Co-created: Noor Tasnim, Sooruj Bhatia, Ben Beiter, Theresa Libera, Robyn Hansen, Julia Basso]
Daedalus Dreams (2022): contemporary dance performance for one dancer and two drones, exploring the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in choreography
[Co-created: Eric Handman, Scotty Hardwig, and Zach Duer, Costume Design: Christopher Larson, Performance and Soundscore: Scotty Hardwig, Production and Technical Support: Gustavo Araoz, Kevin Ayoub, Bennett Kawas]
Cloud City Collage (2021): animated choreographic visual album created collaboratively among artists in Mexico, France and the United States
[Music: Eric Lyon and Kyle Hutchins, Visuals: Zach Duer, Renato González, & Scotty Hardwig Dancers: Renato González & Scotty Hardwig]
ENGRAM 4 (2021): telematic digital dance performance created for Zoom during the pandemic lockdowns, created and performed by a collaborative team of artists in the United States and Mexico
[choreography and artistic direction: Claudia Lavista, performance: Keanu Brady, Jonathan Alavés, Scotty Hardwig and Diego Alcalá, music: Albert Mathias, technical direction: Raúl Mendoza]
Time Garden (2020-2021): suite of choreographic works created for virtual reality
[performance & choreography: Scotty Hardwig, visualization: Zach Duer, music: Charles Nichols]
Body, Full of Time (2019): contemporary dance performance using interactive animations, motion capture, and real-time avatar designs
[performance & choreography: Scotty Hardwig, visual design: Zach Duer, animations: Nate King, stage designs: Estefania Perez-Vera, soundscore: Caleb Flood, production and technical assistance: Joe Fry]