Other Details
Technology Used
Languages: C++
IDE, Libraries and Software: openFrameworks, Arduino, Computer-Vision, Garage Band.
Hardware: Laptop, USB extension cables, PS3 camera, Arduino Duemilanove board, Soundlab 4 Channel DMX Dimmer Pack, DMX Shield for the Arduino, 8 theatrical lamps, Colored light filters, Materials for setting up room: extension cords, zip ties, etc.
Basic Code Concept: For all the areas except for area 1, the movement is detected by tracking vector movement and force. Area 1 uses blob detection.
What it is
A public art installation piece. A chance for exploring our relationship with technology. An experiment in interactivity.
What it is not
A game. A commercial product. New technology.
Possible Challenges to Success & Plan B
One small challenge to success is that I may not be able to get the Arduino to trigger the lamps properly. The Plan B will then just to have it be a sound piece without the lights.
But more serious then this is that the piece ends up being boring or unengaging. As I play with the prototype it is becoming more and more apparent that this may be a possibility. One main factor that may contribute to this is the quality of the triggers. Of course I will be doing my best to make them as efficient as I can, but it still may fall short. In which case, there is not much I can do about it except learn from my experience.
I have though already made some adjustments to ensure a functional final product. For instance, I initially envisioned using sounds that would be good for creating a rhythmic beat (snares, hi-hats, etc). Realizing that if it is difficult for the user to set off sounds with a tempo, I decided to use samples that can make a soundtrack that is pleasing even if a cacophony.
Statement on Proposed Audience
The audience for the The Thin Line is made up of those discerning members of the public who wish to explore their relationship with technology i.e. people in the arts, digital media or anyone interested in the above.
Statement on Self Evaluation
If I can accomplish everything stated in this proposal, I believe that merits starting the marking at 70. If the public seems engaged in the work maybe notch it up to 75-85. If I can get other established artists to collaborate with me on The Thin Line and/ or have it shown elsewhere besides Goldsmiths, I would assume an 85 or more.
Proposal for Archiving & Documenting the Project
I have been bloging about The Thin Line (at http://www.doc.gold.ac.uk/~ma801eb/blog/) since October 9th of this year and have also created a website which you can find at http://doc.gold.ac.uk/~ ma801eb/thethinline/ . At the website under the videos link you will find youtube clips of my promo and prototype videos.
I would also like to take photos and videos of the work as it is prototyped and exhibited. Lastly I will be recording feedback on video and having people leave their critiques of my piece on my blog.
Press Release
For millennia humans have made sounds (i.e. music) and those sounds have made humans move. The Thin Line starts by flipping this paradigm on its head. In this art installation piece the users body motion triggers audio samples that form a pleasant cacophony. With very little effort and no devices on our body, we can immediately create and contribute to our environment. We are then forced to ask ourselves: what will our autonomy look like as such technologies become ever more efficient, inconspicuous and omnipresent?
Budget
Arduino Starter Kit: £30, DMX Dimmer £60, PS3 EYE TOY: £7, USB extension cable £5.
Total kit = £103.00
200 hours of my labour * £20.00/ hour = £4,000.00
Grand Total: £4,103.00
Potential Exhibitions & Collaborations
Potential places to exhibit:
Potential Collaborators
Dana Michel - Established Contemporary Dancer, Montreal
Illustrative Biography
Shanken, E 2009, 'Charged Environments', Art and Electronic Media, pp. 96-119
Bradski, G & Kaehler, A 2008, Learning OpenCV
Koening, A & Moo, B 2000, Accelerated C++