Artist Statement
H. Gene Thompson and Arvid Tomayko have been collaborating since 2014, creating a language addressing the push and pull of human connection through installation and performance projects. Using a combination of fabric sculptures, interactive sensors, movement, light and sound, the duo creates elastic wearable membranes joining and separating both the performers and audience alike. Central to their work is an interest in creating space that brings people together to consider the world in which we live. They ask their audience to consider subjects ranging from coral reefs to systematic economic oppression, and from humanitarian issues such as housing to exploring human connection as an alien concept. Each work addresses the complexities of human behavior as we strive to preserve and enjoy the spaces we inhabit.
Collaborative Works
Apart From Me :|: New Hazlett Theater, Pittsburgh, PA – Feb 2018
Apart From Me, premiered in February 2018, is an hour long stage performance telling the a story of the power of human connection using wearable fabric sculptures. It is performed by 3 dancers wearing body sensors that control music in a reactive soundscape guided live by a sound performer. A Collaboration between H. Gene Thompson and Arvid Tomayko, with performers Ru Emmons and Anna Azizzy.




Urchin Searchin Sound - 2017 - Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
Made in residence at the Pittsburgh Children’s Museum in 2017, Urchin Searchin Sound was an immersive environment built to withstand young people’s exploration and play employing oceanic sounds, imagery from coral reefs and reactive sound and light.
Connect///Disconnect :|: Performed @ Wood Street Galleries, Pittsburgh - Nov 11, 2016
Arvid Tomayko and Hannah G. Thompson
Patterns to Hide (with Hannah G. Thompson) :|: Lubbock, TX :|: Mar 4, 2016
Hannah G. Thompson - Fabric Sculpture/Performance
Arvid Tomayko - Unique Max patches, Apple Mainstage, Controllers, Trumpet, Spring Reverb.
Videographer: Josh Taylor
Post Production: Arvid Tomayko
Tent Worm :|: Live @ Art Market Provicentown - July 18, 2015
Live performance by Hannah G. Thompson and Arvid Tomayko
Performers transform wearable fabric sculptures that control electronic music soundscapes.
Arvid Tomayko - sound and interaction
Hannah G. Thompson - fabric sculpture and movement direction
Special thanks to Debbie Nadolney at AMP
Watch a two minute excerpt of the performance: (full performance below)
Full Performance:





Two Mako Sharks :|: at The Silent Barn - Brooklyn, NY
Check out the Two Mako Sharks page
Two Mako Sharks :|: at ArtSTRAND - Provincetown, MA
Check out the Two Mako Sharks page
Two Makos Sharks :|: The Grease Diner - 2014
Check out the Two Mako Sharks page
Arvid Tomayko and Hannah G. Thompson