Project 72's Identity series features an artwork previously part of the Conducting Flock project. This summarises the original text in 19 words.
With the eternal question of “Who am I,” this artwork aims to help us reflect on our identity. People have sought answers to this question for ages, but often fail to find a satisfying answer due to our inability to sense or think about ourselves. Reflections in others and ourselves can be unclear, ambiguous, and even illusory. Yet, through Identity-sa, we hope to provide an opportunity for visitors to contemplate this question.
Using generative animation, abstract paintings, and the likeness of every visitor, the animation itself is displayed on the computer screen. Once visitors approach the screen, a blurry image of their figure appears, later disintegrating similar to the process of disease or aging. This visual effect resembles the struggle against infectious bacteria or self-repairing process to counteract injury. It also teaches the Buddhist teachings of Shi-Ku and Shoh-Roh-Byoh-Shi, which are four inescapable sufferings combined with birth and death.
The artwork simulates swarm agents in the computer, where 2,000 agents follow the BOID algorithm in 2D space with enough density to cover the screen. The agents are drawn in various styles, including triangles, curves, branches, fuzzy textures, and spray spots. The postfix ‘SA’ in the title represents sickness and aging. By combining shapes, colors, and interaction between two species, the work generates dynamic appearances in a wide range of animations.
Additionally, the software detects the movement of visitors with a live camera and adjusts the agents’ motion and colors accordingly. The sounds are synthesized to synchronize with both the movement of agents and visitors. Overall, Identity-sa offers an innovative and thought-provoking experience for visitors to consider their identity and the inevitable processes of aging and disease.
Version 1.7.2: N/A