projects

for hire

sketches

the dandelion field

The Dandelion Field is an interactive video installation which draws a comparison between a common plant (the dandelion), and human beings. Conceptually, the project is rooted in the idea that, like weeds in a garden, humans have spread wildly and often taken over our environment from other species. Through a hands-on parasitic experience, the participant is invited to reflect on human nature, not to condemn, but to acknowledge and think of how a natural balance could be achieved while we expand. Indeed, dandelions can be a beautiful flower but there also comes a point where there are just too many of them.

This installation aims to express this idea in a reactive environment. Through computer assisted video processing, the participants' movements and position on a patch of grass generate a dynamic urban landscape (both aural and visual) onto a projection screen.

The project includes both a physical setup and a computer-based setup. The physical part requires a sandbox of appropriate dimension to hold the grass patch. Also, a video camera has to be fixed to a high enough ceiling right above the patch. Ideally, a light fixture next to the camera will provide constant lighting. The installation also requires a wall (or a screen) for the video projection, as well as a space to install (and lock) the projector and computer in such a way that the technology involved is as transparent as possible.

A video capture module and a motion detection algorithm were developed in order to track and detect movement on the grass patch. A sound mixing module has been integrated to the software as well, using the OpenAL sound library.

The software also performs 3D rendering of buildings and flowers using OpenGL and some custom-built objects based on the data received from the motion tracking. As shown in the screenshots and video documentation, the visual aesthetics are purposely not photorealistic, providing a figurative representation of the buildings while keeping the connection between the graphics animated on screen and the real word constructs obvious enough that participants will be able to also make the connection.

The Dandelion Field was shown at CAFKA 2004 in Kitchener, Ontario.