Andrew Johnston
Most Recent Affiliation:
- University of Technology, Sydney
Location:
- Sydney, AU
Bio:
Andrew Johnston is Associate Professor at the University of Technology Sydney, where he works as the Research Director of the UTS Animal Logic Academy. He also co-directs the Creativity and Cognition Studios, an interdisciplinary research group working at the intersection of performance, art and technology.
Andrew is a researcher, XR creative, digital artist, sound designer and software engineer. His research includes real-time augmentation of live performance in 3D, creating immersive VR/AR playspaces, adding olfactory senses to virtual reality and using machine learning for intuitive user interaction.
Writings and Presentations:
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Title:
Creature:Interactions: A Social Mixed-Reality Playspace
Writing Type: Paper
Author(s):
Exhibition: SIGGRAPH 2014: Acting in Translation
Abstract Summary:This paper discusses Creature:Interactions (2015), a large-scale mixed-reality artwork created by the authors that incorporates immersive 360° stereoscopic visuals, interactive technology, and live actor facilitation. The work uses physical simulations to promote an expressive full-bodied interaction as children explore the landscapes and creatures of Ethel C. Pedley’s ecologically focused children’s novel, Dot and the Kangaroo. The immersive visuals provide a social playspace for up to 90 people and have produced “phantom” sensations of temperature and touch in certain participants.
Title: Off-Lining to Tape Is Not Archiving: Why We Need Real Archiving to Support Media Archaeology and Ensure Our Visual Effects Legacy Thrives
Writing Type: Paper
Author(s):
Exhibition: SIGGRAPH 2019: Proliferating Possibilities: Speculative Futures in Art and Design
Abstract Summary:This paper presents findings from a qualitative study into the archiving practices employed by professional VFX studios. The current practices are contrasted with best practices from the field of archiving, and suggestions for improvement are made.
Title: Hybrid Animation production and the Dream of Flight.
Writing Type: Paper
Author(s):
Exhibition: SIGGRAPH Asia 2019: Deep Dreaming
Abstract Summary:Through a detailed account of a recent practice-based research project – a short animation project called Jasper, this paper explores how a hybrid analogue/digital production approach can generate a unique and engaging visual style – one that sits between the tangible, handcrafted feel of miniatures and the cleanness, fluidity and flexibility of computer-generated animation. The author examines the new creative possibilities and challenges that a hybrid animation production approach presents and also outlines various technical platforms encountered during the production of Jasper, including motion-controlled camera systems, 3D printing, game engines, point cloud scans and augmented reality.
Role(s):
