Description
+ Sea Monkeys is an artwork which uses a computer and a video screen to create a virtual aquarium. This interactive installation uses Arduino Microcontroller, PureData, and Boids Algorithm.
My video installation Sea Monkeys is currently on display in the foyer entrance of the Regional Cultural Centre (RCC) of Donegal from April 25 – June 20, 2009.
Sea Monkeys features images of people swimming underwater. Each swimmer is filmed against a green screen, in order to isolate the figure. There is a separate video for each swimmer loaded into Pure Data. Pure Data (aka PD) is a real-time graphical programming environment for audio, video, and graphical processing, made for an open-source community. In my Pure Data patch each swimmer’s position on screen is manipulated using PD programming and Boids algorithm. The Boids algorithm, developed by Craig Reynolds in 1986, is an artificial life program, simulating the flocking behavior of fish. The complexity of Boids arises from the interaction of individual agents (the swimmers in this case) adhering to a set of simple rules.
separation: steer to avoid crowding local flockmates (the other swimmers)
alignment: steer towards the average heading of the other swimmers
cohesion: steer to move toward the average position of the other swimmers
Each swimmer moves independently as it reacts and responds to the other swimmers.
Sea Monkeys also integrates Boids with an arduino using SMS (simple message system) to add an interface for viewer interaction. Arduino can sense the environment by receiving input from a variety of sensors. In my case, I will be using the arduino to communicate with my patch in Pure Data and control the swimmers movement through the use of sensor input. The final presentation will include surround sound that will pan left and right with the swimmers motion.
The Sea-Monkeys story began in 1960 as the brainchild of inventor and nature-lover Harold von Braunhut, and since have become a part of American culture and a worldwide phenomenon. The term "Sea-Monkeys" is a name used to sell Artemia salina, a species of brine shrimp as a novelty pet, often advertised in comic books. The illustrations of Sea-Monkeys often look nothing like brine shrimp.
*Just like the novelty pet, my video installation will be suitable for the whole family.
I often involve many platforms, and my work is very research orientated. In the last two years, I began developing new technologies in video, animation and interactive computing as an invited artist at Studio XX. In September 2008, I was chosen to present a video installation during the Journées de la culture event in Montreal. The project, Primordial Soup, was funded through the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, and developed at Studio xx with the help of programmer Alexandre Quessy.
Primordial Soup is an interactive video installation based on the origins of life and features microbial animations I hand draw in Flash. It is also the root inspiration for my new work Sea Monkeys as it uses similar themes and technology.
EQUIPMENT :
The project consists of the following equipment, and is flexible to show in various video supports.
- 1 Lcd screen, or video projector
- VGA cable
- internal electronics (arduino, wiring, sensors - supplied by artist)
- 1 computer (supplied by artist)
- USB cable
- participants
DURATION :
The project requires a two days to install for presentation in gallery.
PRIMORDIAL SOUP (2006 - 2008 and ongoing)
Primordial Soup is an interactive video installation based on the process of evolution. Pure Data, GEM and Arduino 11 with motion sensors.
Primordial Soup features animations of microbial forms I draw in Flash CS3.
+produced at Studio xx 2007-2008 during "Autonmoy and Activism" intensive workshop series on Open Source applications
+With Alexandre Quessy and electronics help by Darsha Hewitt
+Funded by CALQ research grant
bio
Allison Moore is an independent artist and curator developing projects at the intersection of art and science. Her engagements include documentary filmmaking, video installation, animation, and puppet theatre. Her works are socially and politically conscience, often including a level of absurdity, humor and surrealism. Originally from the Pacific Coast of Canada she has produced projects in Ecuador, the Galapagos, United Kingdom, Europe and North America. Allison is currently developing new technologies in video, animation and interactive computing as an invited artist at Studio XX and the Society of Arts and Technology in Montreal.
www.looper.ca
www.looperprojects/blogspot.com
www.studioxx.org