About
Maria Rita Nogueira is a Ph.D. researcher specializing in interactive art through movement-based interaction and artificial intelligence. She obtained her BA and MA in Design and Multimedia from the Department of Informatics Engineering at the University of Coimbra before pursuing her Ph.D. in Contemporary Art at the College of Arts and the Institute of Systems and Robotics, both institutions from the University of Coimbra. Maria Rita's research journey is driven by her passion for the fusion of art, design, and technology. As a researcher at the Institute for Systems and Robotics, University of Coimbra, she explores the symbiosis between these fields. Her primary focus lies in creating visual graphic compositions that respond to human interaction. Maria Rita's work delves into the realm of real-time interaction through body movement, resulting in the visual creation of digital artifacts born from the dialogue between humans and machines. Her contributions have earned her recognition and acclaim. In May of 2023, Maria Rita received the Best Performance and Presentation award at Technarte Bilbao for her interactive performance titled "FORMS". Her research work was also showcased at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT - Boston) in April of the same year. In 2022, her work "Move In Tempo" was exhibited at the Czong Institute for Contemporary Art in South Korea. The "Move In Tempo" performance installation was further presented as a solo exhibition at the Machado de Castro National Museum, recognized as a UNESCO Heritage site, among other exhibitions. In 2021, Maria Rita was honored with the Best Artwork award at the Criatech Artistic Residences. Her remarkable research efforts have been supported by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the aegis of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Higher Education (MCTES) of the Portuguese Government. Her work encompasses movement, interaction design, and creative coding, all with the aim of democratizing art and actively engaging the audience as integral participants in each artistic experience. Before pursuing her academic endeavors, Maria Rita gained practical experience in various companies as a Designer and Frontender. However, it was through her scientific and artistic research that she discovered the profound connection between design, art, and technology. With her interdisciplinary background and achievements in the realm of interactive art and technology, Maria Rita Nogueira is poised to make significant contributions to pushing the boundaries of art, design, and new technologies.
Past Exhibitions
"Memória Processual" Collective Exhibition @ Castelo de Ourém e Paço dos Condes, Portugal
[22 MAY - 31 JUL] "Singularidade", Interactive-Installation
"COLOR" Collective Exhibition @ Czong Institute for Contemporary Art, South Korea
[7 - 28 SEP] "Move In Tempo", Performance-Installation
"Expira" Collective Exhibition @ Castelo de Ourém e Paço dos Condes, Portugal
[26 JUN - 31 AUG] "Move In Tempo", Performance-Installation
"Move In Tempo" Solo Exhibition @ Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro, Coimbra, Portugal
[13 APR - 8 MAY] "Move In Tempo", Performance-Installation
"Motel Coimbra #5" Collective Exhibition @ College of Arts at University of Coimbra, Portugal
[12 NOV - 14 JAN] "Move In Tempo", Performance-Installation
"CRIATECH" Collective Exhibition @ Digital Exhibition of Creativity & Technology @ Aveiro, Portugal
[11 - 16 OCT] "Move In Tempo", Performance-Installation
Talks & Conferences
"Dancing with code: An intersection between dance and technology" @ Ourém Theater, Portugal
[23 JUN] Ciclo RGB - Cycle for Artistic Practices and Contemporary Thought
"F O R M S: Creating Visual Composition Through the Dance Movement and Artificial Intelligence" @ Paris, France
[16 JUN] The Paris Conference on Arts & Humanities * online
"Dancing with code: An intersection between dance and technology" @ Coimbra, Portugal
[9 MAY] Pint of Science Global Science Festival
"Understanding Art through Augmented Reality: Exploring Mobile Tools for Everyone's Use" @ Okayama, Japan
[29 MAR 21] International Conference on Information and Education Technology * online
"Design and Usability of an E-Health Mobile Application" @ Copenhagen, Denmark
[20 JUL 20] International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction * online
Awards & Distinctions
2023
Best Presentation and Performance at the Technarte, Bilbao. Technarte is where artists, designers, researchers and companies from all around the world meet to share their vision of the fusion between art and technology in a close and friendly atmosphere.
2021
Best Award of Criatech Artistic Residences. Criatech Artistic Residences is a programme for artistic residences and mentoring with the objective to boost the creativity in STEAM areas (Science, Technology, Engeneering, Arts and Mathematics) and to develop mixed skills in creativity and digital competences.
Distinction and Support for the Promotion of Scientific Culture 2021. Winning applications for the Promotion of Scientific Culture (Apoio à Promoção da Cultura Científica 2021) initiative at University of Coimbra.
2018
Finalist at Krakow Choreographic Dance Competition. The basic aim of the competition was to develop the professionality of contemporary dance, to support dancers and choreographers who seek their own artistic language and unique approach to composition. Competition confronts their work with a professional jury. The important part of the competition was feedback in which participants could discuss the reception of their work with jurors and the audience.
2016
1st Prize - Award winning and Best Senior Contemporary Solo at Dance World Cup, Jersey. The piece performed was "Pulso", choreographed by Ricardo Flores.
1st Prize - Contemporary Solo at International Dance Competition (CIB) from Porto. The piece performed was "Pulso", choreographed by Ricardo Flores.
Grant and Internship at Instável Contemporary Dance Company. The Internship grant was received at International Dance Competition from Porto (CIB) and was offered by Instável Dance Company.
Grant and Scolarship at Girne American University Cyprus. The Scholarship grant was received at International Dance Competition from Porto (CIB) and was offered by Mafalda Deville.
2015
1st Prize - Contemporary Solo at International Dance Competition (CIB) from Porto. The piece performed was "In Between", choreographed by Teresa Gouveia.
Grant and Scolarship at Institute of the Arts Barcelona. The Scholarship grant was received at Dançarte and was offered by Nicholette Whitley.