Dissociative Identity functions by linking two gallery installations together. Users located in identical installation situations are luma-keyed together on screens from four different camera angles. They are placed within a shared telepresent environment; within an octagonal shaped blacked-out room containing a large black beanbag in the centre. Each of the four camera views are luma-keyed together and presented on separate monitors in each of the installation spaces. The immersed presence is captivated through the array of views presented in front of them. In effect - removing their eyes from their head and investing them solely within the cameras on which they have to rely to navigate within this space.

The users of this installation are able to monitor and control their interacting body in an exploded montage of their individual identity. Extracted elements of the users body language will be observed through telepresent portals, by providing the performer with four sets of eyes, relocated around the installation; views from above, close up, face on, profiles and from below.

Background information
Paul Sermon is a leading pioneer of telematic art and performance, bringing remote participants together in shared and immersive telepresent environments. His numerous awards include the Prix Ars Electronica "Golden Nica" for Interactive Art and the Los Angeles Interactive Media Festival "Sparkey" Award. He was artist-in-residence at the ZKM Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe in 1993; docent for telematic arts at the HGB Academy of Visual Arts in Leipzig, Germany from 1993 to 1999; and guest professor for performance and environment at the University of Art and Industrial Design in Linz from 1998 to 2000. Since June 2000 he has been based as a reader at the University of Salford.