Compute. Art

Project Description

“Reflections of Self” is an interactive installation exploring the themes of self-identity and societal perception. At its core is an adaptive circle grid visualization on a display, where a grid of circles dynamically fills and changes size in response to webcam-captured video brightness, creating a pointillism-style generative art piece. This visualization symbolizes self-perception, reflecting how we view ourselves and how others view us.

The main visual is complemented by a dynamic quote display that retrieves and showcases thought-provoking quotes in various colors, prompting introspection and conversation about self-identity within the context of societal views.

The installation encourages interaction by guiding participants to stand or move within the webcam’s field of view. The video is instantaneously transformed into a digital reflection on screen, forming an artistic interpretation of the viewer. This reflection, paired with meaningful quotes displayed at the bottom, enhances the installation’s reflective nature

Interaction Video

Working Video | Music Credits: Microsoft Clipchamp

System Diagram

Below is a diagram showcasing an overview of the various components that come together to create this interactive and thought-provoking experience. The installation leverages a combination of hardware, software, and API protocols, each playing a crucial role in delivering its message.

Hardware:

• TV With Cart: Serves as the primary display for the installation, showcasing the interactive visualizations and dynamic quotes.
• MeLE PC: Acts as the central processing unit, handling video processing and software execution.
• Logi Webcam: Captures live video feeds, essential for the interactive element of the installation.

Software:

• VS Code: Utilized for the development and programming of the installation’s software components.
• Github Repo & Pages: Contains the source code files, including P5Js and HTML.
• P5js: A JavaScript library for generating the adaptive circle grid visualizations and dynamic quote displays.
• Quotable API: An external API used to fetch a diverse range of quotes for the installation.
• Web Browser: Runs P5js and displays the content on the TV screen.

The installation’s hardware and software components are intricately connected to create a seamless interactive experience. The MeLE PC, at the core of the system, processes the live video feed captured by the Logi Webcam. This feed is then transformed into a dynamic pointillism art piece using P5js, symbolizing the viewer’s perception and self-image. Simultaneously, the Quotable API delivers thought-provoking quotes that are dynamically displayed, complementing the visual experience. The entire content is presented on the TV screen, inviting viewers to engage and reflect.

Project Context

Interactive installations, where technology and artistic expression fuse, often lead to explorations of identity and self-perception. Three distinct projects stand out; Stephen Bezas’s portraits, utilizing dots and grids, redefine traditional pointillism, inviting a deeper look into self-perception and identity. Refik Anadol’s “Melting Memories” merges art, technology, and neuroscience, visualizing memory dynamics in a captivating digital format. Lastly, the “Who Am I?” exhibition by Graphic Thought Facility at the Science Museum in London explores the complexities of human identity through genetics, brain science, and personality. Collectively, these projects highlight the diverse ways in which interactive art can provoke introspection and dialogue about the self.

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Stephen Bezas

Stephen Bezas is an artist renowned for his unique approach to portrait art, utilizing dots and grids to create intricate and captivating images. His methodology is deeply rooted in the concept of pointillism, a technique where small, distinct dots of color are applied in patterns to form an image. Bezas’s work, however, takes this concept into a contemporary realm. By meticulously arranging dots and grids, he forms portraits that are not only visually striking but also evoke a deeper exploration of identity and perception. His art challenges viewers to reconsider the way they perceive images and details, effectively bridging the gap between traditional art techniques and modern interpretations. Bezas’s approach resonates with my project “Reflections of Self,” which also uses a dot-based visual language (pointillism-style generative art) to engage with themes of self-perception and identity. The correlation lies in the transformation of simple elements – in Bezas’s case, dots and grids – into complex, thought-provoking portraits that invite viewers to reflect on the multifaceted nature of human identity.

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Refik Anadol

“Melting Memories,” an interactive art installation by Refik Anadol, merges art, technology, and neuroscience to explore the dynamics of memory. Employing data painting techniques, it visualizes the process of memory retrieval, creating a bridge between the digital and the physical. This installation delves into human cognition, focusing on the formation, storage, and retrieval of memories, represented through large-scale, high-resolution visualizations. Like “Reflections of Self,” which converts webcam video into pointillism art, “Melting Memories” transforms abstract data into visual experiences, prompting viewers to reflect on the ephemeral nature of memory and the interplay between the brain and digital data. This innovative use of technology in art invites introspection, exploring themes of identity and perception, and exemplifying the power of interactive installations to evoke thought and emotion.

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Graphic Thought Facility

The “Who Am I?” exhibition at the Science Museum in London, designed by Graphic Thought Facility, offers an insightful exploration of identity through interactive and multimedia displays. Focused on unveiling the scientific, biological, and psychological facets of identity, the exhibition combines various interactive installations, encouraging visitors to delve into aspects of genetics, brain science, and personality. Both my project and the exhibition use interactive approaches to invite active participation and self-reflection, utilizing technology to deepen understanding and reflection on personal identity. This similarity highlights the role of interactive installations in facilitating meaningful insights.

Code

• GitHub Pages: Visual Quote Display Live Demo
• GitHub Repository: View on GitHub

Acknowledgements

• ChatGPT Attribution: The code was reviewed and commented by ChatGPT, an AI developed by OpenAI.
• Font Attribution: Atkinson Hyperlegible Font by the Braille Institute. More Info
• API Attribution: Quotable API by Luke Peavey. API Link
• Inspiration/References:
  • Work by Taylor Tidwell. YouTube Video and p5.js Sketch
  • Work by Jeff Thompson. YouTube Video
• Canvas Mirroring Technique: Kate Hartman & Nicholas Puckett | OCAD University