Katsuyuki Hattori

Hattori is known for his skill using outmoded analogue technology to produce stunning audio and video landscapes in a live performance environment. Only occasionally using source footage, Hattori skillfully manipulates feedback loops to generate the source content for his immersive performances. Referring to his medium as abstract video-concert, Hattori presented a new work created in collaboration with two local artists – Bryan Basant and Curtis Walker (blunderspublik) – over the course of his residency at Video Pool. This live audio and multi-channel video piece was evocative of Dada artist Kurt Schwitters’ (1887 – 1948) notion of the colour organ and resonated with Schwitters’ concept of “merz”, which refers to the appropriation of found or refuse materials.

Following the presentation of this new, collaborative work, Hattori performed a piece titled Abarekoinobori with long-time collaborator and video artist Yusuke Shinmura (Japan) who sweetened Hattori's audioscape with playful bits and pixels. Together Hattori and Shinmura brought an authentic experimental electronic art from Tokyo to Winnipeg audiences.

Related Event: On October 21 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Hattori gave a presentation on his ‘video concert’ technique. In his practice, Hattori allowed for many artists to contribute to a live work, each controlling a particular aspect of image or sound from the feedback. Working with aesthetic qualities of image feedback, Hattori’s work challenges notions of beauty in image making, the role of the artist in image creation, and the contemporary roles of ‘performers’.