The Nipulator electronic bra is a custom-built wearable device that uses two potentiometers, a hacked DJ Hero microcontroller, and Cycling ’74 software to (nip)ulate the author’s voice and image in real time. The bra functions as an instrument for live video and sound processing as well as a feminist art object. This essay discusses how the author’s work with rare and historically significant image and sound processing tools like the Sandin Image Processor, Jones Frame Buffer, and Paik/Abe Raster Manipulation Unit influenced the creation of The Nipulator, as well as her experimental media art practice. Other artistic and personal influences are also considered, and a thorough description of the bra’s design, technical evolution, and durability challenges is provided.

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