This is a speculative project proposed for installation in Brisbane and Melbourne in mid 2011. Its an idea that I would like to develop further and since its inception a few people have shown me some really cool projects along a similar wavelength. If we're lucky enough to get support for this I'll be working with two very talented video and digital artists, Richard Byers and Andrew Gibbs.
The Virtual Vortex is a video screen that will be erected within an existing doorway at the end of Edison Lane, adjacent to the General Post Office in Brisbane. Connected to this screen will be a video camera transmitting a live stream of vision from Edison Lane. Similarly, an identical video screen and camera will be erected at the end of Dame Edna Place, within close proximity to the General Post Office in Melbourne.
Through careful configuration of the position and angle of each video screen and camera, a geometric connection will be established between the two distinct laneways, creating the appearance of visual continuity between the two spaces.
Virtual Vortex aims to promote a new way of interacting in public space.
Everyday experiences occur both physically (in the places we live, work and play) as well as virtually (through online social interactions).
These experiences present us with two worlds; a physical and a virtual world. While the physical world of face-to-face interaction has evolved over millennia, virtual interaction is relatively new and has developed quite separately.
Virtual Vortex aims to combine the physical and virtual to create a new kind of public space that provides opportunities for chance interactions across remote geographic locations.
Everyday experiences occur both physically (in the places we live, work and play) as well as virtually (through online social interactions).
These experiences present us with two worlds; a physical and a virtual world. While the physical world of face-to-face interaction has evolved over millennia, virtual interaction is relatively new and has developed quite separately.
Virtual Vortex aims to combine the physical and virtual to create a new kind of public space that provides opportunities for chance interactions across remote geographic locations.
Process
The Virtual Vortex is a video screen that will be erected within an existing doorway at the end of Edison Lane, adjacent to the General Post Office in Brisbane. Connected to this screen will be a video camera transmitting a live stream of vision from Edison Lane. Similarly, an identical video screen and camera will be erected at the end of Dame Edna Place, within close proximity to the General Post Office in Melbourne.
Through careful configuration of the position and angle of each video screen and camera, a geometric connection will be established between the two distinct laneways, creating the appearance of visual continuity between the two spaces.
Outcomes
Through a network of lighting elements, the public will be lead to the Virtual Vortex. Once located, the Virtual Vortex will be experienced at two levels.
Firstly, when viewed from the end of the laneway, the Virtual Vortex will appear as a surprising element of light and movement. This view will suggest the mysterious presence of a virtual world beyond the end of the laneway and invite closer inspection.
Secondly, having approached the screen, the public can visually interact with viewers at the ‘other end’. Some early ideas for the types of interactions to be facilitated include:
Through a network of lighting elements, the public will be lead to the Virtual Vortex. Once located, the Virtual Vortex will be experienced at two levels.
Firstly, when viewed from the end of the laneway, the Virtual Vortex will appear as a surprising element of light and movement. This view will suggest the mysterious presence of a virtual world beyond the end of the laneway and invite closer inspection.
Secondly, having approached the screen, the public can visually interact with viewers at the ‘other end’. Some early ideas for the types of interactions to be facilitated include:
- Physical gestures (such as smiling, waving, sign language, holding up DIY signage),
- Performance events where performers collaborate in real time across distinct geographic locations
- Live communication through portable devices using a hash tag trending topic on twitter (e.g. users tweet messages with the hash tag #virtualvortex and these are presented as part of the video projection in both cities)
This installation aims to engender a new type of community experience that lies between the traditional notion of community (i.e. chance physical encounters) and an online community (i.e. likeminded people from different locales meeting through technology).
No comments:
Post a Comment