ascii fighter

Click here to see a video extract from the Montreal Performance of ascii fighter (5.7MB)   photos: Don Goodes


photos: Don Goodes

 
Paul Litherland and Sally Scott, performing ascii fighter in Montreal, Québec. The referee is Karen Trask, the programmer/technologist is Andrew Brouse.
 

Paul Litherland’s performance series, ascii Fighter, features 3 new works. Two boxers are wired to a computer interface that allows the fighters to write evocative messages using text and video.

Credits:

A big thank you to the following people who helped with the first production of ascii fighter

Christine Redfern, curator
Don Goodes, text
Jean-Philippe Thibault, video
Robert Prenovault, timekeeper
Kevin DeForest, corner person
JoAnne Balcaen, corner person
Andrew Brouse, technologist
Anne Marie Leger, tickets
Jake Moore, bar
Shauna, bar
Phil Dickinson, Blue Cat boxing
Karen Trask, referee
Sally Scott, boxer
Paul Litherland, boxer

In Toronto:

Diane Borsato, corner person
Charlie Scott, corner person
Libby Hague, timekeeper
Julia Blushak, photography
Christine Redfern, video
John Sobol, organizer of digifest
Paola Poletto, organizer of digifest
Ed from the av company

Short text about ascii fighter:

Paul’s friends are surprised these days when they find out that he’s taken up boxing. “Boxing! What’s with that? Paul’s such a nice guy.”


For him, boxing is a way to experience negotiation under the most difficult and intense circumstances—trying not to get hurt yet trying to hit back without wanting to hurt them. When he does take a hit the hardest thing is to not let the despair affect the next moment, not take it personally, the feelings of failure, not be overwhelmed by vulnerability, not break down and cry. And when he lands a punch, not to feel superior, get caught up in the power, not to admire the work, nor desire recognition. Because these too distract and betray the intent of the match: a fair and exciting exchange.


Paul leads us into the difficulties of being in his world. In ascii Fighter we see him looking for a way to communicate honestly with us, while submerged in the complex demands of technology and socialized human relations.


Paul Litherland is known for his quirky multimedia performances and video works. Skydiving is one of the unusual activities that has appeared repeatedly in his art. His new performance ascii Fighter introduces another extreme sport: boxing. Many people are into thinking about intense experiences, others like to just live them straight up. Paul does both.


He and sparring partner Sally Scott will be at the Design Exchange on May 13th, 2004, at 8:30 p.m., as part of the Digifest conference.

Text: Donald Goodes

This work would not happen without the skills of technologist Andrew Brouse and the assistance of Karen Trask.