Key Takeaways
- Discover Mesa Musical Shadows, an enchanting art installation that transforms your shadow into a musical conductor, creating a symphony of sounds as you walk.
- Learn about the technical wizardry behind this interactive art, including sensors, iRobota boards, and MaxMSP software, which orchestrate the musical experience based on the length of your shadow.
- Explore the legacy of Daily tous les jours, a studio dedicated to creating playful and engaging interactive art that blurs the boundaries between art and everyday life, encouraging visitors to become active participants.
In the heart of Arizona’s Mesa Arts Center, there exists a magical pathway where shadows dance to the tune of your steps. Mesa Musical Shadows, a captivating public art installation by Montreal studio Daily tous les jours, transforms the ordinary sidewalk into a giant dance pad that sings in harmony with your shadow.
A Symphony of Shadows
As you stroll along this enchanting walkway, your shadow becomes the conductor of a hidden orchestra. Step onto the colorful tiles, and sensors beneath your feet trigger melodic or percussive sounds from speakers embedded within. The length of your shadow determines the nature of the music:
- Morning and Evening: Longer shadows cast during these times elicit peaceful, ethereal choral tones, creating an almost celestial atmosphere.
- Midday: Shorter shadows produce chopped, frenetic, and rhythmic sounds, adding a lively beat to your walk.
- Sunset: As shadows lengthen again, clusters of complementary melodies intertwine, creating a harmonious symphony that echoes the beauty of the setting sun.
- Nightfall: After dark, the tiles respond to your movements with insect-like or bird-like vocal sounds, evoking the essence of a nocturnal meadow.
Unveiling the Technical Wizardry
Behind the scenes, a sophisticated system of sensors, iRobota Mega boards, and MaxMSP software orchestrates this musical spectacle. Forty-seven sensors, strategically placed beneath the tiles, detect changes in light, prompting melodic or percussive sounds from the speakers. These sensors are connected to six control nodes, each protected in a waterproof enclosure, ensuring resilience against the elements.
The custom-designed printed circuit board (PCB) at the heart of each tile features a light sensor on top and an LED on the bottom. The LED illuminates the tile at night, creating a mesmerizing visual display that complements the auditory experience.
More sensitive equipment, including computers and amplifiers, is housed within the museum, ensuring optimal performance and protection from the elements.
A Legacy of Playful Interaction
Mesa Musical Shadows is not the first interactive art installation by Daily tous les jours. Their earlier project, 21 Swings, transformed a playground into a giant collective instrument, allowing visitors to create music by swinging in unison.
Both installations showcase the studio’s commitment to creating playful and engaging experiences that blur the boundaries between art and everyday life.
Bonus: Immerse yourself in the world of interactive art with these inspiring quotes:
- “Art should not just be looked at. It should be experienced.” – Robert Rauschenberg
- “The best art is interactive art, where the viewer becomes a participant.” – Brian Eno
- “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” – Edgar Degas
Next time you find yourself in the vicinity of the Mesa Arts Center, don’t just walk—dance with your shadow and let the music of your footsteps serenade you.
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