Synthetic Sensations-The Fives Senses and New Media
Kingston University-Dorich House UK
http://www.kingston.ac.uk/dorich/

One day conference June 30 2006

Synthetic Sensations looks closely at how the “lived” world is affected by
representational forms generated by communication technologies, especially
digital and optical virtual technologies. New technologies involve the
technological management of the five senses. This conference aims to
embrace the practical and theoretical frameworks that give rise to our
sense of embodiment. As the mediating forces between the body and the
entirety of the external world, the senses are both biological and
cultural, empirical and imaginative, objective and intensely personal.

An assessment of the techno-senses poses a number of problems of both
dislocation and intense integration with the rapid development of
biotechnology and digital art. Developments in human cloning, artificial
wombs, digital models, virtual presence, augmented reality, sousveillance,
foods that counteract various ailments, replacement organs, artificial
noses, isolating the human pheromone and so on affect and measure cultural
transformation according to corresponding alterations in sensory
perception, taste, sound, touch and feel.

In the twenty-first century, what is the impact of communication
technologies on human senses? Can we recreate them artificially? How do
they enhance our natural senses? Or do they dislocate us further from what
it means to be a human being?

The conference invites proposals that will address the following, but not
limited to;

Virtual environments,
Augmented Reality
Human Avatars
Virtual Presence
Sousveillance
Digital Art
Cybernetics
Sousveillance
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Life
Cinema
Computer games
Urban Cities and Landscapes

The deadline for proposal submissions is January 20, 2006. Completed
proposals should include your name, professional affiliation,
contact information, a brief (one paragraph) bio, and an abstract of 350-
700 words. The organizers welcome collaborative proposals for panel
sessions, as well as individual submissions. Proposals should be submitted
electronically.
Please send proposals for review to [log in to unmask]

Please note that the conference organizers are planning a publication
based on the conference and request the right of first review on all
conference pap





For further information please contact either:

Prof. Stephen Barber Media Arts
[log in to unmask]

Dr Niran Bahjat-Abbas
Senior Lecturer in Media and Cultural Studies (Digital Media)
[log in to unmask]
Kingston University
School of Humanities, Faculty of Arts & Sciences
Penrhyn Road Centre,
Penrhyn Road, Kingston, Surrey
KT1 2EE
www.kingston.ac.uk