Resonance & Cross-Sensory Translation in Pyrotechnic Arts

Abstract:

Pyrotechnic arts can have an impact that is experienced both in our bodies and in our emotions. We may feel thrilled by the exhilarating intensity at the finale of a firework display and we may also feel tingles or goose-bumps in moments that touch us deeply. I call this visceral experience resonance. In this seminar, we will explore what brings on this tingling energy in the presence of art.

Drawing on my own experience of sight-loss, I will describe how resonance provides a way to feel connected with art. I will also show how words, touch, and sounds can be used to translate the appearance of light across senses – making it accessible in non-visual forms. On a broader level, this presentation invites participants to consider how the low-vision/blind community can be meaningfully included in public displays of art—such as events featuring fireworks.

Biographical Information:

Collin van Uchelen, Ph.D., is a Community Psychologist, Conceptual Artist, and Pyrotechnician based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Collin’s appreciation for fireworks is informed by his own experience of sight-loss from a degenerative blinding eye disease. His work in the pyrotechnic arts explores techniques for translating the light of fireworks into non-visual forms, such as descriptive words, sounds, and tactile representations. Currently, he is choreographing a pyro-musical display from his unique position as a designer who is functionally blind.

Venue Information:
2nd floor, 100 Arthur St at Video Pool Media Arts Centre. The venue is fully accessible with a lift at the entrance, elevators and accessible washrooms.

Accessibility:
To request ASL or any other Accessibility Request/Accommodations please contact Jenel Shaw at info@aanm.ca (204)-336-2366

Image Description:

This is a poster to announce the presentation “Resonance & Cross-Sensory Translation in Pyrotechnic Arts” presented by Collin van Uchelen, Ph.D. The background is a dark starry sky. There are images of gold fireworks in each of the upper corners. In the centre top is an image of a pink, red, purple and gold fireworks. Bellow in pink and gold is text “Arts AccessAbility Network Manitoba & Video Pool Media Arts Centre Presents: Resonance & Cross-Sensory Translation in Pyrotechnic Arts”. Below the text in the centre of the poster is an images of Collin van Uchelen, Ph.D. and Rico, his guide dog for the Blind. Collin is a white man with brown and grey hair. He is smiling at the camera and is wearing a black suit with a dark purple tie. To his right is Rico, his guide dog for the Blind, is a yellow lab. On either side of the photo is the following text in gold “ Free Event! Drinks for Purchase!” Below the image is the following text in gold and pink “Collin van Uchelen. Sunday May 12, 2024. 645pm – Doors open. 7-830pm – Presentation. 830-930pm- Q&A/Reception. 2nd allow 100 Arthur st. For more details visit: https://aanm.ca/events/