Kyle McDonald : Notes from the pacific

The speaker, Kyle, introduces himself and shares his background in Los Angeles, his journey into the arts through music and code, and his work with new technologies like machine learning and computer vision. He discusses his various artistic endeavors, including immersive installations, ecological interventions, AI exploration, and game design aimed at resistance to surveillance. Kyle also mentions his consulting practice, IYOIYO, and their work on projects like a generative poetry algorithm and a real-time tracking system for fencing used in the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Kyle transitions the discussion to the ocean, focusing on humpback whales and Polynesian navigation. He recounts the history of commercial whaling and the near extinction of humpback whales, the discovery of their songs by Frank Watlington, and the cultural impact of the album 'Songs of the Humpback Whale.' The speaker also addresses the current threats to marine life, such as marine debris, and the efforts of organizations like the Center for Coastal Studies to mitigate these dangers.

The speaker collaborates with composer Annie Lewandowski to create audiovisual installations that incorporate recovered fishing gear and new humpback whale recordings by Katy Payne. Kyle discusses the use of machine learning to draw attention to complex patterns in humpback songs, aiming to build an intuitive connection with the whales rather than simply conveying information. He shares his experiences with sailing and the importance of reconnecting with nature and technology in a meaningful way.

Kyle delves into the intricacies of Polynesian navigation, highlighting the knowledge of swell patterns and the phenomenon of Te Lapa, a quick flash of light used for navigation. He describes the cultural and spiritual significance of Te Lapa and the efforts to document this elusive phenomenon, including his collaboration with Dr. Marianne George (Mimi) and the challenges they faced in capturing it on camera.

The speaker reflects on the importance of accurate representation of the Pacific and its islands, criticizing the digitization that treats the ocean as empty space. He discusses the rich cultural and historical connections across the Pacific, the advanced technologies of traditional Pacific sailing vessels, and the need to reevaluate our understanding and perception of the ocean and its inhabitants.

Kyle shares his experiences in attempting to capture Te Lapa on camera, the challenges faced due to COVID-19, and the subsequent shift in focus towards storytelling and simulations. He discusses the cultural significance of the project, the importance of preserving and sharing traditional navigation techniques, and the broader implications for understanding the interconnectedness of the Earth's ecosystem.

In the concluding paragraph, Kyle reflects on the interconnectedness of all things and the lessons learned from his journey. He talks about reorienting his perspective from a self-centered view to one of being a participant in a complex ecosystem. He emphasizes the importance of relationships, both human and environmental, and invites the audience to contribute to the work of cultural preservation and understanding.