TEAM
The Team page is divided into two parts: Collaborators, Students and Associate Artists.The information on
this page is meant to show the diversity, depth, creative, artistic and technical expertise of our collaborative team.
this page is meant to show the diversity, depth, creative, artistic and technical expertise of our collaborative team.
Faculty
MICHAEL MONTANARO
co-director Topological Media Lab Michael Montanaro is a trans-disciplinary artist who is best known for his work in the field of contemporary dance and mixed media. In 1985 he founded Montanaro Dance, developing a reputation for using cutting edge technology to create theatrical environments for his choreography. Over its ten-year history Montanaro Dance toured both nationally and internationally. Since 1996 Michael has worked as a choreographer, director and collaborator on numerous projects including the Cirque du Soleil’s “Varekai”, Opéra de Montréal`s multi-media version of “Carmina Burana”, a full length theatrical work “Frankenstein’s Ghosts, and a series of short films entitled “Dances For Small Spaces”. As co-director of the Topological Media lab he has been deeply involved in the envisioning, design and creation of numerous research projects dedicated to evolving innovative ways in which new technologies are used to enhance the performative experience within responsive environments. Montanaro has been a guest lecturer at the Centre for Music Studies at Cambridge University and visiting artist at University of Chicago. michaelmontanaro.com |
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DAVID MORRIS
co-director Topological Media Lab David Morris co-director of the TML, is expert in the field of phenomenology with a focus on the philosophy of the body, mind and nature in relation to current biology and cognitive science. Morris is currently working on a SSHRC funded research and book project that focuses on issues of development and ontology in Merleau-Ponty and current biology. Morris has published articles, conference proceedings, as well as the book, "The Sense of Space" (SUNY Press: 2004). Morris has organized and presented at international conferences, and is also experienced at organizing workshops, such as the Interdisciplinary Workshop on the "Future of Development: Concepts, Insights, and Challenges" in 2013. |
Artist - Researchers
NAVID NAVAB
http://navidnavab.net/ Navid Navab is a Montreal based ‘media- alkemist,’ composer, performer, programmer, and sound designer. Navid uses gestures, rhythms and vibrations from everyday life as basis for sound generation, resulting in augmented acoustical-poetry. His investigations, which range from compositions to responsive architecture, interface design, theatrical interactive installations, and improv-based performances, have been presented at various festivals and events in many countries. ______________________________________________ 
EVAN MONTPELLIER
Evan Montpellier is a media artist, researcher and educator. He builds video and sound instruments, and is interested in the new forms of expressive fluency that emerge from them. Within the resulting aesthetics, he works to find a balance between ornamentation and narrative. Recently, he has been engaged at the Topological Media Lab developing video components of the Ozone media choreography system. He holds a BA in Religious Studies from McGill University and a BFA in Media Art from Concordia University. |
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JÉRÔME DELAPIERRE
www.jeromedelapierre.com Jérôme Delapierre is a visual artist and interactive designer working in Montreal, studied Computation Arts and Interactive design at Concordia University as well as Contemporary Arts and new media at IMUS University in France. His research is based on the relationship between human and technology and non linear interactivity, focusing on the experiences of urban social behavior. He is interested in new ways to create visual sets and environments by exploring eclectic projections techniques. ______________________________________________ |
Post-Doctorate
HARRY SMOAK
Montréal-based media researcher and artist
Montréal-based media researcher and artist
“I am actively exploring how coming media technologies directly contribute to different modes of existence today. I frequently do this through research and artistic collaborations undertaken together with other cultural workers making today alongside developing tools and techniques that others can try out for themselves. Although, truthfully, I am not particularly concerned about works of art. I am interested in behavior. It is my ardent hope that one day we will get so skilled at both politics and art, that will no longer have to be so dependent on either. I get this from current theoretical mentor, Morse Peckham.”
Harry Smoak is a PhD candidate in the Individualized program at Concordia University in Montreal (Quebec) Canada.
Research assistant at “studio-labs” such Lab Xmodal based at Hexagram Centre for Research-Creation in Media Arts and Technologies.
His current research and artistic interests revolve around the conceptualization and development of experimental sensor-based responsive media environments.
Harry’s collaborations and solo projects have been seen internationally at numerous festivals and venues such as the Venice Architecture Biennale (Venice), National Museum of China (Beijing), PACT Zollverein (Rhur), Transmediale (Berlin), Festival EXIT (Maison des Arts, Créteil-Paris), DEAF (Rotterdam), Place des Arts (Montréal), Elektra Festival (Montréal), Mois Multi (Quebec), EMPAC (NY), and Pixilerations (Providence).
Harry is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology having received his Masters in Human-Computer Interaction.
He is the founding Coordinator for the Topological Media Lab with Sha Xin Wei at Hexagram Centre for Research-Creation in Media Arts and Technologies.
Harry Smoak is a PhD candidate in the Individualized program at Concordia University in Montreal (Quebec) Canada.
Research assistant at “studio-labs” such Lab Xmodal based at Hexagram Centre for Research-Creation in Media Arts and Technologies.
His current research and artistic interests revolve around the conceptualization and development of experimental sensor-based responsive media environments.
Harry’s collaborations and solo projects have been seen internationally at numerous festivals and venues such as the Venice Architecture Biennale (Venice), National Museum of China (Beijing), PACT Zollverein (Rhur), Transmediale (Berlin), Festival EXIT (Maison des Arts, Créteil-Paris), DEAF (Rotterdam), Place des Arts (Montréal), Elektra Festival (Montréal), Mois Multi (Quebec), EMPAC (NY), and Pixilerations (Providence).
Harry is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology having received his Masters in Human-Computer Interaction.
He is the founding Coordinator for the Topological Media Lab with Sha Xin Wei at Hexagram Centre for Research-Creation in Media Arts and Technologies.
STUDENTS
Masters Degree
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NIKOLAOS CHANDOLIAS
Through his studies in Electrical and Computer Engineering, he has developed a deep understanding and practice in programming and designing software systems. His current research is in the field of natural language processing and semantics. Nikolaos is looking at expanding his knowledge in the fields of interactive media art and developing installations at an international multicultural level. |
Undergraduate
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NIMA NAVAB
www.nimanavab.com Since his years at Ontario College of Art & Design studying Environmental Design, Nima Navab has become increasingly focused on spatial design, and more specifically, examining the role of art and technology in enhancing both intimate and large-scale public interactions. Through a variety of mediums and means, Nima investigates the various roles humans play in shaping both the ecological, political and sensorial landscapes of our built environment. His increased attention to everyday spatial interactions has brought to light the importance of field research, discussion and collaboration with those occupying the space as well as the space itself, highlighting the importance of spatial experience and theoretical research, both which continue to form the basis of his creative process. He is currently an active member at the Topological Media Lab, and working as a research assistant for Carmella Cucuzzella, examining the emerging aesthetics of sustainability, in today's architectural competitions. |
