Imagine a breakfast table that comes to life, transforming into a realm of bizarre and haunting imagery. This is the captivating experience offered by “Terrors of the Breakfast Table,” an interactive video installation that takes viewers on a surreal journey through culinary nightmares.
Unveiling the Interactive Masterpiece:
Currently showcased at the Art Gallery of Hamilton in Ontario, Canada, “Terrors of the Breakfast Table” is the brainchild of visual artist Tyler Tekatch and interactive programmer Kyle Duffield. This innovative installation invites visitors to engage with a table and chair, where a sculptural device glows orange when they blow into it. This seemingly simple action triggers a cascade of interactive elements, creating a mesmerizing and immersive experience.
Interactive Elements: A Symphony of Senses:
The installation seamlessly blends technology and art, utilizing subtle sensors that detect the viewer’s breath. These sensors unleash a symphony of interactive elements, including a dreamlike montage, shifting scene paces, ambient sounds, and captivating visual effects. The brilliance of this installation lies in its subtle interactions, encouraging viewers to discover and explore at their own pace.
Crafting the Visual Feast:
The project’s captivating visuals were meticulously captured using a combination of cameras, including the Canon C100, the 5d markiii, and the Sony FS700. Selected shots were captured in super slow motion, adding an ethereal and dreamlike quality to the experience. Editing was skillfully executed in FCP7, while color grading was meticulously done in DaVinci Resolve. To further enhance the visual feast, Cinema 4d and 3ds Max were employed to create stunning effects.
Interactive Programming: The Art of Digital Alchemy:
The interactive elements of “Terrors of the Breakfast Table” were meticulously crafted using Max 6 programming, along with various libraries and externals. This intricate programming enabled the installation to seamlessly respond to the viewer’s breath, creating an immersive and responsive experience.
Breath Detection: The Gateway to Interaction:
At the heart of the installation’s interactivity lies a specialized anemometer, meticulously designed for breath detection by Modern Device. This sensor, paired with an iRobota Uno and illuminating LEDs, translates the viewer’s breath into interactive elements, seamlessly bridging the gap between the physical and digital realms.
Bonus: Beyond the installation’s captivating visuals and interactive elements, “Terrors of the Breakfast Table” invites viewers to reflect on the deeper meanings embedded within. The surreal imagery and dreamlike sequences challenge our perceptions of reality, blurring the lines between the mundane and the extraordinary. This thought-provoking experience lingers in the mind long after leaving the gallery, inspiring contemplation and discussion.
As the installation draws to a close on May 25, 2014, visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in this unique and captivating artistic experience. “Terrors of the Breakfast Table” stands as a testament to the boundless creativity and innovation that can arise when art and technology converge.
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