generative narratives for change: code, typography, and storytelling in touchdesigner
How can we harness code, typography, and generative design in TouchDesigner to tell stories that inspire change and challenge the status quo?
• 14. November - 12. December 2024
• Online!
• Five-weeks, Thursdays, 6-8PM CET
• Small class of participants
Artist / Student (Full Time)
€225*
Freelancer
€245*
Professional
€275*
Generous Supporter Ticket
€295*
course
description
In an age where narratives shape our realities and define our identities, this course invites participants to explore the profound potential of generative design and code as catalysts for social transformation. Through the lens of TouchDesigner, we will navigate the intricate tapestry woven from storytelling, language, and typography, recognizing these elements not merely as tools, but as vessels of love and agency that can ignite collective consciousness.
As we confront the politics of othering, rooted in colonial systems, and face the pressing crises of genocide, democide, and ecocide in the world today, art and technology become powerful tools to oppose the dominant narratives imposed by oppressive systems. One of the most powerful tools of the oppressors is their control over the narrative. This course challenges participants to reclaim that power and craft counter-narratives that resist, disrupt, and reimagine the structures of domination.
Drawing inspiration from the mystical reflections of Rumi and Ibn Arabi, we will embrace their view of love as a transformative force—one that transcends the individual and flows into the collective. As Rumi writes, “Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you truly love.” In the spirit of Bell Hooks, we will explore how love, as a radical practice, can challenge and disrupt oppressive systems. Hooks reminds us in All About Love that “the will to love is a choice,” and this choice is deeply political.
Participants will engage in crafting dynamic, text-based compositions that play with meaning, form, and perception. Together, we will interrogate how code, as a tangible material, can transcend traditional narrative structures and invite new ways of seeing, feeling, and experiencing the world. Through the interplay of visual and textual storytelling, we will harness the power of generative design to articulate visions of hope, resilience, and change.
This course emphasizes both personal expression and our collective responsibility to create art that reflects our deepest values and aspirations. With each project, we will engage in embodied activism, allowing our creative practices to resonate with the heartbeat of the communities we inhabit. In doing so, we will strive to create work that is not only aesthetically compelling but also politically charged—art that speaks to the urgency of our times and the transformative power of love.
In this course you will be introduced to
Creative programming in TouchDesigner
Generative design techniques with a focus on text
Real-time visual narratives
Code poetry and visual literature
Code as a tool for political and social change
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,
about online classes
Classes are 'live' meaning that you can directly interact with the instructor as well as with the other participants from around the world. Classes will also be recorded for playback in case you are unable to attend for any reason. For specific questions, please email us and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
about
scholarships
We are offering a limited number of reduced fee scholarships for this online class for those facing financial hardships. These allow participants to pay a reduced fee and are reserved for women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ who otherwise would be unable to attend. To be considered for one of these scholarships, please use this form.
To apply for a reduced fee scholarship, you must fill in the form no later than one week before the course begins. We will not accept any class sign-ups or scholarship applications after this date, as our regular sign-ups will determine the amount of scholarships we can accommodate. We will notify you shortly thereafter if your application has been approved.
We are a small organisation with no outside funding and like many, we are also in survival mode. We depend on tuition fees for reimbursing class instructers, space fees, and operational costs. We ask you to consider this when applying for a reduced fee scholarship. <3
meet the
instructor
Sahar Homami
Audiovisual Composer, Calligrapher, Researcher
Sahar Homami (They/She), an audiovisual composer, calligrapher, and researcher from Tehran, currently residing in Berlin and Montreal, blends art, technology, philosophy, and literature to delve into the intricacies of the human condition. Their work encompasses a diverse range of forms, including audiovisual performances, multimedia installations, augmented reality, short films and Calligraphy art. Homami's multidisciplinary approach, influenced by mystical philosophies and global literature, particularly from Asia, explores altered states of consciousness through music and imagery. They are committed to expanding the boundaries of perception and consciousness, offering a unique perspective that encompasses knowledge, art, ethos, and politics.
With academic foundations in engineering, Persian Calligraphy in Iran, and Computation Arts in Canada, Homami’s work transcends conventional boundaries. Their projects intersect computational arts, storytelling, and mysticism of the East (Erfan), creating a captivating fusion of disciplines.
Homami's portfolio has been featured at prominent international festivals and conferences, including INSCAPE, Festival X, MUTEK Montréal & Mexico, HELLERAU, Stereolux, Summerworks, Berlin Music Video Awards and many more, showcasing their innovative and thought-provoking contributions to the art world.