Site specific art is influenced by it’s location (‘site’) and surroundings. A Virtual-Site allows for easy duplication of the art object, which introduces multiple ‘sites’. As a result, the art can respond dynamically depending on it’s specific ever-changing location. This naturally leads to interactivity.
By using a computer and a webcam to define an art site, the art creation is influenced by the location & environment of the site, most specifically, by the people at the site. Influence by interaction: visitors at the site 'reach' or 'move' their body to a certain part of the display, as prompted by an on screen visualization. Followed by visual acknowledgement if the goal was reached.
On screen visualizations appear based upon the rhythm of a song, beat, or loop This concept is vaguely similar to a combination of the popular games DDR and GuitarHero. However, by using a virtual ‘eye’ on the environment of the site (image/video input), the art object allows for a wider range of interactions. › E.g. if the user is near (larger) to the camera, as opposed to farther (smaller) away.
Site-specific conditions contribute to the influences upon the art object, thus rendering all the duplicate art objects as unique. They are: Environment and backdrop of the location Lighting, stationary objects. Etc Non-stationary objects: Humans, animals, insects, clocks, cars, etc Musical element Computer model/software configurations.
Interactivity: ++ Motion detection algorithm based upon a binary template (white pixels represent changes from previous frame, and black pixels represent stationary pixels) is used for determining user body movement. Visualizations: ++ Apple's Quartz combined with QTCapture frame by frame access to the iSight camera, and a line detection algorithm provides unique and attractive visualization effects that can be placed on the video at runtime.
Using a line detection algorithm with a Quartz built-in effect from OSX developer tools, this visualization was captured. Interactive rhythm objects and music would be placed on top.
Syncing with the virtual site’s iTunes to create a game or sequence based upon a specific song. Movie recording capability. › Would a recorded video be an extension of the object? Or would it be it’s own work of art based upon a specific unique ‘site’? Snapshot capability.
Initial release Future implementations Initial release (by end of BU CFA AR521/621 class perimeter): › Add-on/Plug-in for the popular Mac OSX application Photobooth. ^ v › Stand alone Mac OSX active/interactive game application with Cocoa developed graphical user interface. iPhone: › Possible future iPhone deployment would expand the possibilities of “specific sites”. › Ekandy uses the Objective C programming language and the Cocoa interface builder within the OSX developer tools, which are shared with the iPhone SDK.
Internet: › Downloadable from my OSX software website: › Possible inclusion for download on Apple’s website. › Future iPhone release = iTunes iPhone App Store delivery
+ Visual method for learning/improving rhythm ++ Expanding/building upon the idea of ‘site- specific’ art, as well as pioneering interactive art, bridging the gap between art and code. +++ Mac based image analysis algorithms/platform for alternative input interfacing Traffic generator for my ‘art and code’ website, including possible incoming referrals from apple.com.
I spent some time thinking about whether this project or piece of art could be permitted to have a name. My final decision was yes, it indeed could benefit from having a name. Here are some of the names that I thought of: › Ekandy (my favorite) › Rhythm Dancing › Rhythm Dancer › iJive (ugh) › iAnything (double ugh)
“ZOMG I love Photobooth, but I spend too much time on it already!!” –Annie “That’s pretty cool man, sounds like it will replace going to the gym ha ha” – Mike “Site-specific-art generator is what that is! SICK!” – Roomster
Time is money. My time is certainly money, so with that in mind, the timely completion of project Ekandy’s initial release is in order- EH