7 Configurations (2014-2019) is a cycle of performances and installations conceived by performance artist, composer and director Marco Donnarumma. The cycle focuses on the integration of new technologies in human bodies and lives, as well as its implications. How to understand the effects of AI and robotics on interpersonal and institutional power?
Through combined research on movement, dramaturgy, sound and technological engineering, each of the works in the cycle combines human bodies, robotic hardware, machine learning software and microorganisms into a particular ‘configuration’. This is a hybrid form of embodiment, where each element affect the other to the point that the borders between them become confused.
The cycle begins with the formation of hybrid bodies without predefined identities, the amorphous configurations of Corpus Nil (2016) and Amygdala (2018). The focus then shifts to the coalescence of multiple identities into one body, with the monstrous and graceful configurations of Eingeweide (2018). Taking a wider view, Alia Zu tai (2018) concentrates on the relations among mongrel bodies and their struggle to co-exist. Finally, Calyx (2019) exhibits bodies that have become relics, ruins of those configurations, remains of what once was or could have been.
Each episode of the cycle creates tensely intimate and physical experiences for both audiences and performers through a symbiotic relation between movement and sound. By expanding Donnarumma’s previous work on biophysical music, the pieces in the cycle couple interactive music created in real time with amplified sounds from the performers’ muscles with choreographic methods inspired by ideas of coercion, use and abuse.
Born from the close collaboration of a group of artists, scientists and designers, the 7 Configurations combines elements of body art, dance theater, sound art and media art with science and technology. The result is a multi-layered art form with a focus on performativity; of machines, of bodies, of gender, of non-human agents. It is a statement on the effects of new technologies on the enforcement of conformity, as well as their potential to reframe the very idea of ‘human’.
After shows and exhibitions in 19 countries, the 7 Configurations are currently on tour across Europe and in China. The cycle has been realised with the support of numerous co-producers and supporting institutions, including Goethe-Institut, Graduiertenschule at the Berlin U. of the Arts (DE), Wissenschaft im Dialog (DE), CTM Festival (DE), Chronus Art Center (CN), Retune Festival (DE), Goldsmiths U. of London (UK), Baltan Laboratories (NL) and Resonans Festival (DK).