David Bender - The Phantasmagoria

In this talk, David will take a look at the current state of Ensouled Objects being developed, used, and performed by Philadelphia’s creative citizens and how the work they are doing today will change the way live tomorrow.
The Phantasmagoria is a collection of experiences and discussions celebrating creative work that animates the inanimate: puppetry, animation, robotics, movement theater, shadow shows, automatons, performative sculptures, and more.
[Phantasmagoria (n.) - A popular 18th- and 19th-century form of theatre entertainment whereby ghostly apparitions are formed. A bizarre or fantastic combination, collection, or assemblage. A dreamlike state where real and imagined elements are blurred together. A poem by Lewis Carroll.]
The Phantasmagoria - breathing life into art, design, & technology.
David enjoys working with creative people on projects involving art, science, and design. He is especially interested in finding effective ways to connect people with information; exploring the relationships between art, science, design, and society; & inspiring excitement about discovery. He received his B.S. in Industrial Design from the University of the Arts and has been the Associate Director of the Philadelphia Center for Architecture since 2008. His passions since childhood include puppetry, robotics, and animation - The Phantasmagoria is his outlet for his love of these ensouled objects.