Interaction in multimedia art

In this paper, a concise overview and theoretical framework to describe var ious flows of physical interaction in multimedia art is presented based on research mainly carried out in the field of Human-Computer Interaction. Mul timedia art forms include live electronic music, video art, installations, etc. A general description of interaction between humans and electronic sys tems is followed by a categorisation of interaction in a performance situat ion. The categorisation is illustrated with examples of instruments built b y the author, or projects the author was involved in. They have an emphasis on the physical aspects of human-machine interaction, and the categorisati on suggests novel ways of interaction. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All r ights reserved.