Threshold
Audio/visual installation, presented at Freemote Festival of Electronic Arts, Utrecht (2011)
In collaboration with V4W, Sponsorship by Microsoft
This piece was created for the Freemote Festival of Electronic Arts by eight members of the V4W collective, and is a combination of 3D graphics, human interaction and a responsive soundtrack. The piece was created on-site in 3 days of intense workshops during which us and our working practice were as much the exhibit as was the outcome.
Before arriving at the festival, the team made sketches and came up with a concept based on the festival theme: 'Threshold'. Visitors in the installation space would see a 3D representation of themselves in virtual space projected up on the wall. Their actions would be recorded and reflected in real-time. The virtual space would be divided exactly in two, so that in physical space there was no distinction but in virtual space you would see different forces and attractions operating around your virtual body depending on your location with respect to the threshold.
Once on-site, the group split into sub-teams to work on various parts, regularly reconvening to keep an eye on the bigger picture. My role was in programming the interactive sound along with Barney Thorne and Alex Hosford. We used a granular synthesis technique to allow visitors to 'stretch' the sound with the movement of thier hands.
The work was really about connecting audiences with the creation process of digital media installations. All of the installation was created on-site, in front of visitors. Those who visited over the course of the five-day festival could see the work go from conception to completion and exhibition, and could talk and interact with the collective while we were working.
- Read blog posts on the creation of this project, and V4W working practice.
- Read about the project on the V4W website.
- Read about the project on New Opera Hero.
- Watch a short 'making of' video.