Echoes of a Dream

My concept for this mini-installation was inspired by the dreamland concept that Mesmerize had throughout their art installations. For this project, I wanted to explore the boundary between reality and the subconscious space. The installation starts by captivating the user with the projection map of a galaxy that represents the user getting lost in a subconscious space. As the user continues to observe and get close to the art installation, the projection map is triggered to shrink in circumference. This represents the user exploring the boundaries within both spaces.

The interaction is primarily based on the user's position within the art installation's bounds because I decided to connect my main projection to the ultrasonic sensor. I also decided to create a rotating circle that resembles a galaxy and is directly triggered by the user's distance from the art installation. As the user gets closer to the installation, the radius of the galaxy shrinks.

I decided to use foam clay to create further details in the portal, such as curvature surrounding the edges to add texture, and towards the bottom of the portal to add an element of suspense. In the audio, I wanted to focus on sublime sounds to create an ambient space between my initial concepts.

Final Video and Additional Pictures - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-sEkk6sn_o4vEDjGkpRxMeETYw6LsyFz?usp=sharing

Software:

1. TouchDesigner
2. Arduino IDE
3. Adobe Photoshop

Physical Tech Materials

1. 1 Breadboard
2. 1 Arduino
3. 1 Ultrasonic sensor

Materials

1. Foam
2. Foam Clay
3. Hot Foam Cutter

General supplies

1. Scissors
2. X-Acto Knife
3. Hot glue

I first started with a sketch to detail the initial concept of creating a portal and projecting different dreams by testing various colors, patterns, textures, and intensities. I then created the model out of foam to represent the basic shape. I later went in and used tools such as a hot foam cutter and foam clay. The foam clay was used to create embellishments around the frame to add depth and cast shadows on the main frame.

I used TouchDesigner to create the rotating galaxy reflecting various colors to represent unique emotions within our dream state of mind. Since this was my first time working with TouchDesigner, I relied heavily on YouTube tutorials to learn the software and bring my vision to life.

I used ultrasonic sensor values to control the radius of the galaxy, allowing it to respond dynamically to the viewer’s proximity to the art installation. This interaction was done by using the Serial DAT in TouchDesigner to receive data from the Arduino through a specified port. I then used a CHOP to access and manipulate the numerical values. By remapping the sensor's range to align with the desired minimum and maximum radius, I was able to create a responsive effect. Finally, I applied a CHOP reference to control the radius parameter of the circle representing the galaxy.

Google Drive link to view the interaction demonstration - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-sEkk6sn_o4vEDjGkpRxMeETYw6LsyFz?usp=sharing

The last piece was using the kantan mapper in TouchDesigner and a projector to view the output on the foam sculpture.