parallels
lines defined by perception
explored through dimensions and perspective alternation
in an segmented empty space
how does the transformation affect
the realms that have never met before?
Blinded by senses
by Mauro Ricchiuti, Joanna Mania, Maarten De Bruijn
2019. Audiovisual installation.
Projection, tulle, tunnel, led lights
Peron E, Utrecht, The Netherlands
Concept
What and how the human eye sees is determined by perception and dimensions we live in. Parallel lines and shapes, which by definition never meet, underwent the process of transformation and multiplication to explore their behavior and relationship in both 2d and 3d spaces simultaneously.
Experience
The viewer was given a headset and shown an armchair inside the expo tunnel (5m from the entrance). Once seated, the curtain was closed. The viewer was positioned directly towards the last layer of tulle. Each of the layers served as a display-surface which multiplied and scattered the geometrical shapes. They appeared as softly dancing and floating in the space. The darkness and the close proximity to the visualization intensified the sense of immersion and intimacy. Each participant was isolated from the outside environment and encouraged to make it her/his own experience, as no time limitations were indicated.
Visuals
All the graphics were generative. They were programmed and rendered individually in real-time in Touchdesigner software, after which they were assembled in a continuous piece of 14 minutes, which kept looping throughout the whole expo. The LED strip was made out of 6 addressable LED soldered together at a distance of approximately 1m one from the other. The strip was driven by an Arduino Uno board and 4 different patterns were made using Adafruit Neopixel library. The patterns were triggered by serial control values sent by Touchdesigner. The sync between the visuals and the strip was done manually in a Python code inside Touchdesigner.
Music
The visuals were accompanied by Robert Farrugia - Adrift.
Process
Blinded by senses was a site-specific project. It required examination of both, the opportunities and limitations, of the space offered by Person E. This included testing: the number of tulle layers in relation to the strength of the beamer, the position of the beamer, displayed shapes, lighting, sound and viewer’s position.