Analogue + Digital = Sensorial

Organized as an international collaborative course and funded through the federal government’s Global Skills Opportunity program, 13 OCAD U students travelled to Tallinn, Estonia, to spend two weeks in August 2024 to explore technologically and creatively the theme of “Analogue + Digital Materials = Sensorial” with 12 participants from the Estonian Academy of Arts (EKA). The facilitators were Dr. Nithikul Nimkulrat, Professor in the Material Art & Design program, Faculty of Design, OCAD U, and Dr. Kristi Kuusk, Senior Researcher and Azeem Hamid, PhD Student, Faculty of Design, EKA.

The exploration focused on group discussion and experimentation around the meaning of “analogue”, digital”, and “sensorial” across different technologies and disciplines. Their immersive experience and creative journey took place not only in the studios/labs, including the Ceramics Studio, Digital Prototyping Lab, Digital Weaving Studio, E-Textiles Lab, Leather Accessory Studio, and Virtual Reality (VR) Lab, but also in the natural, social, and cultural environments that surrounded them.

On the last day of the residency, the participants showcased their work at Põhjala tehas for public engagement with Tallinn residents and visitors.

See report for more information.