is an interactive method for exploring human touch. Human touch is richly variable in electrical resistance making it quite suitable for real-time sonification. Experiments have verified that electronic voltage controlled oscillators produce interesting output when tracking resistive flesh. Resulting devices have an aural similarity to the Theremin, yet, in terms of operating principles, are almost the exact opposite: one touches nothing to play the Theremin; whereas, to coax music from resistive flesh, the first thing required is touch.

This reverse in principles may mirror a growing rejection of the hands-free, technology-as-magic-cure-all idealism of the Theremin and the Twentieth century. Arguably, solving today’s problems requires a more proactive, technology-as-tool, hands-on approach.

Separating the contact points slightly beyond a single person’s reach extends this metaphor: one person is not enough; it takes at least two people to “make music together.” The multi-person model invites creative human interactions. Watch the entire 2:26 Human Circle video!

Watch the rest of the 2:26 Human Circle video!