c o n c e p t | THE HANDS CAN TELL A LOT

w h a t

THE HANDS CAN TELL A LOT integrates a unique fusion of interactive scenography and wearable technology to explore memory, transformation, and the embodiment of emotions through movement. The project’s main technical concept involves the use of a glove, which acts as a controller, and bioplastic material that responds dynamically to the movements of the hand. The glove detects subtle hand movements, translating them into actions that trigger the bioplastic's response—whether through folding, unfolding, or expanding. This bioplastic structure is shaped like delicate origami folds, which are actuated by motors, mimicking the responsive, ever-changing nature of skin.

The choice of origami as a design technique draws a direct connection to the natural structure of the skin, with its folds, creases, and flexibility. Just as skin changes and adapts over time, the origami-inspired folds of the bioplastic dynamically expand, contract, and shift with the motion of the hand. This responsiveness is powered by motors, mimicking the skin’s adaptability and the subtle transformations it undergoes with age.

The bioplastic material, chosen for its fragility and temporality, adds another layer to the concept, reflecting the fleeting nature of both physical form and memory. These material qualities—fragile, dynamic, and sensitive to touch—serve as metaphors for the impermanence of time, inviting viewers to engage with the installation as it evolves in real-time.

Through this immersive interaction, THE HANDS CAN TELL A LOT connects the physical body to an ever-changing material form, highlighting the beauty of impermanence and the intimate relationship between movement, time, and the materials we touch.

w h y

The primary intention behind THE HANDS CAN TELL A LOT is to explore how technology can be integrated into artistic practices to amplify interaction and meaning. During my studies at Fab Academy, I became acutely aware of the lack of interactivity in exhibitions and festivals, especially in Armenia. While many artists and exhibitions were utilizing technology, the majority of it was static and did not engage the viewer in a dynamic, responsive way. This realization sparked the idea to create something more engaging, something that could open up new possibilities for artists and audiences alike.

The project challenges the conventional relationship between technology and art, where technology is often seen as a tool, but rarely as a dynamic partner in creating live, participatory art. By making movement and touch the input for interaction, the work invites an ongoing dialogue between the artist and the environment. Through this interaction, the participant becomes both the creator and the observer, making each performance unique and deeply personal.

Another aspect is to challenge the conventional notions of aging and memory. Rather than viewing aging or the passage of time as something negative, this project embraces it as an essential part of life’s narrative. It redefines self-expression, showing how the body’s physical changes can tell stories. The project asks how we can use movement, technology, and materials to express emotional states, linking the physical and emotional through the process of change.

w h e r e

The project will be developed in various settings, each tailored to exploring different facets of the experience. Initially, the technical components such as the wearable glove, bioplastic, and actuators will be refined and tested in a lab environment. This phase will focus on the integration of the technologies, ensuring they work seamlessly together.

Once the technical setup is ready, the project will be showcased in gallery settings and public exhibitions, such as festivals or interactive art installations. Here, visitors will be invited to wear the glove, experience the transformation of the bioplastic material, and interact with the piece in real-time. The exhibition environment will enhance the work’s intimacy, where the participants' gestures shape the surrounding artwork.

This piece is also adaptable for live performances and installations where emotional expression and physical movement are central to the theme. The potential for cross-disciplinary collaboration is significant, allowing dancers, performers, or musicians to use the glove and bioplastic in their creative processes, further expanding the project's application.

w h e n

The project began as part of my final work in Fab Academy, with a timeline that spans several months. The development process involved a blend of research, prototyping, and testing, which allowed for the integration of wearable electronics and bioplastic materials. The flexibility of this project means that it will continue to evolve beyond its initial stages, with room for future experimentation and collaboration.

f o r | w i t h . w h o

THE HANDS CAN TELL A LOT begins with a deeply personal connection—my grandmother, who has played an essential role in my life. I plan to visit her in Yerevan and scan her hands as part of the project, using the scans to create intricate details for the glove. This gesture not only honors her physical presence but also symbolizes the wisdom and memories she’s imparted to me throughout the years. Her hands, weathered with time, will be immortalized in the form of the glove’s design, making her a central figure in the work.

While scanning her hands, I will also take the time to talk to her, sharing the purpose of the project and listening to her stories. These conversations, rooted in the tactile and emotional connection we share, will provide the foundation for the project’s narrative, focusing on memory, transformation, and the emotions embedded in our gestures.

Beyond this deeply personal beginning, THE HANDS CAN TELL A LOT is aimed at a broader audience, including contemporary artists, performers, and technologists who are interested in how wearable technology and interactive art can come together. It offers artists a new avenue to explore their creative practices, allowing them to experiment with how technology can capture and convey personal stories or emotions in real-time.