Generative Narratives for Change:
• 14. November - 12. December 2024
• Online!
• Five-weeks, Thursdays, 6-8 PM CET
• Small class of participants
Course description
In this course, you will be introduced to
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Creative programming in TouchDesigner
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Generative design techniques with a focus on text
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Real-time visual narratives
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Code poetry and visual literature
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Code as a tool for political and social change
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Conceptual approaches to typography and narrative design
Course outline
Week 1: Introduction: Storytelling and the Poetic Use of Technology
We'll begin by getting to know each other and discussing the poetic and political possibilities of using code and technology in storytelling. We will also introduce the core technical concepts of TouchDesigner, set up our workspace, and map out the territory we will explore. This week will focus on the philosophical foundations of code as a narrative material and how it can expand the art of storytelling.
Week 2: Typography as a Visual Narrative Tool: Generating Stories with Text
We will dive into the history of typography as both a visual and narrative medium. Participants will explore how typography can be manipulated in real-time in TouchDesigner, learning how to create generative text compositions that tell stories through both content and form. We'll analyze examples of how artists and designers have used text in their works to enhance narrative meaning and discuss how visual design and typography can be a medium for resistance and social commentary.
Week 3: The Structure of Code: Writing Stories with Generative Design
This session will focus on code as a creative playground, exploring the syntax and structure of TouchDesigner for storytelling.
We will analyze how code can be used to distort perception and create dynamic, real-time narratives. Participants will experiment with generative algorithms, learning how to build interactive, evolving textual organisms.
Week 4: Machine Learning and Text: Expanding Storytelling with AI
We will introduce machine learning tools and explore how AI can expand the narrative possibilities of text. Using pre-trained models, participants will incorporate machine learning into their TouchDesigner projects, generating interactive narratives that challenge traditional forms of storytelling. We will also reflect on the ethics and implications of using AI for storytelling and its role in shaping public discourse and collective imagination.
Week 5: Storytelling for Change: Showcasing Text-Based Projects
In the final week, we will focus on creating and presenting interactive, real-time storytelling projects that use typography and code to provoke thought, inspire action, or challenge social norms. Participants will create and present their final projects, showcasing how they’ve integrated generative typography, code, and storytelling. The course will culminate in a collaborative show-and-tell session where everyone shares their creative work.
who is this class for?
This course is for artists, designers, coders, poets, storytellers, activists, and anyone interested in exploring the intersection of language, code, and visual design. While basic familiarity with creative coding is helpful, no prior experience is necessary.
*This workshop highly encourages the attendance of women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ individuals who have no prior experience with visual programming but want to learn more about it.