Jackson 2bears utilizes gesture controlled vinyl-tracking technology in conjunction with specialized software in order to edit, manipulate and ‘scratch’ audio/video media in real-time. His artwork incorporates elements (samples) of documentary and Hollywood films, Internet videos, and television news clips into an aural/visual remix intended as a form of cultural critique. The tracking technology consists of vinyl records that have been pressed with specially encoded audio signals. When played on an analogue turntable, the audio signal from the record is decoded by computer software using a series of pitch detection algorithms that determine the speed and direction of playback; the performer thus has the ability to control audio/video in real-time through physical gestures enacted on the vinyl records.
The Art Gallery of Alberta respectfully acknowledges that we are located in Treaty 6 Territory and Region 4 of the Metis Nation of Alberta. We respect this as the traditional and contemporary land of diverse Indigenous Peoples including the Plains Cree, Woodland Cree, Beaver Cree, Nitsitapi/Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Anishinaabe/Saulteaux/Ojibwe and Dene Peoples. We also acknowledge the many Indigenous, Inuit and Métis people who make Alberta their home today.