Base Footage: 

For source content, I remixed recently taken MRI scans of my mother’s brain. Upon first viewing the scans, I was mesmerized by the layers of brain tissue and the animated effect of running them together in sequence. It appears naturalistic, almost reminiscent of a flower blooming. Simultaneously, the images are very inhuman, perhaps because of the black-and-white, clinical context in which they are situated.These images especially invoke the fragility of the brain – how easily such an innate part of you can “break,” either physically with age or psychologically with external stressors. Accordingly, the form that my source video takes is remixed brain degradation

Video Still 1 (2025)

Interaction:

When the viewer makes physical contact with the piece, data from that contact is read into the Max MSP software, which then causes the saturation of the video image on screen to deepen. Here, observe a side-by-side comparison of the original and augmented footage. I deliberated on how I wanted the visuals to be augmented. Initially, I opted for a more dramatic color difference. However, this read as alarming to some. Instead, this more subtle color difference seemed to convey a more universally positive message.

Left: base video, Right: filter applied (2025)

External Components:

I wanted to create plant-like membranes such that I could incorporate them into the surrounding area. In creating these objects, I started with a base of cotton fabric. From here, I applied layers of liquid latex on top. For textural variation, I included satin ribbons and beaded strands. In the final installation, these membrane panels surround the wall text. I also created a box with the same membrane texture to hide the Arduino Uno and the TTP223B touch sensor. 

Left: final box form (2025), Right: final membrane (2025

Sensor:

The form that the touch sensor took evolved naturally during the semester. Rather having the raw sensor be the point of contact between subject and art, I wanted it to have both a visually personalized touch and also a physically more comforting texture. I aimed to encourage people to interact with the object, with an added positive connotation due to its softness. This step feels appropriate given that tactility is such a fundamental part of my art practice. Ultimately, the “trigger” ended up being a piece of conductive knitwear.

Full Thesis Paper: