~~SYNTHESEZIA~~
SYNTHESEZIA v1 @ Freezerburn 2020
Wow I seriously can’t even believe how quickly things are moving now. Julia Cameron said this would happen…… Side note, if you are trying to increase your creative drive and aptitude you should probably read her book- “The Artists Way”.
Since my last post, my team and I have developed and executed a successful interactive art exhibit called SYNTHESEZIA. We debuted it at Freezerburn in Paige TX. SYNTHESEZIA plays on the neurological phenomenon known as synesthesia, or a melding of the senses. People with this condition often report that sounds evoke a color in their minds eye, or a texture may evoke a taste, etc.
With this in mind we set out to create an experience that was as engaging for all the senses as possible. We knew we wanted it to be interactive, so we explored many different kinds of control options. We settled on a keyboard because we felt it was something that most at least had some experience poking around with. We also incorporated a MIDI controller with buttons and knobs for some incremental control of audio and video effects.
From there we had to figure out who best to integrate all of the different pieces. In the end we were able to tie 3 software programs in together: Ableton (Sound Generation and FX), Resolume (Projection Generation and FX) and DMXIS (DMX Lighting) to create a fluid experience where sound, lighting, and projections are all triggered simultaneously from one controller. One of the keys on the keyboard triggered a live feed of the player’s face via a webcam. We also added scented fog and laser effects for the cherry on top. All controllable via the keyboard and control surface.
Jeff Garrard was my lead projectionist for the project and he killed it. We were able to sync up audio and projection effects very well with the result being a truly immersive experience that was 100% interactive and unique to every visitor.
Cara Jackson designed the vortex tapestries which were a huge part of the overall appeal of the project for sure. The space as a whole was definitely a vortex of the senses and her design ended up being the perfect thing.
Within 10 seconds of our first guest participant starting, they were cackling maniacally. As the first creation of this type that I have seen through from conception to completion, I have to say I’m pretty damn proud of what we did. Sure there were some hiccups here and there but overall this project was clean and well-executed and the people who visited all seemed to have a really good time with it. I know I had a good time watching people’s surprise and delight.
Designing an experience is truly an experience all on its own. It’s a translation of empathy into physicality. I spent a lot of time pouring over minutia in sound design and lighting elements, only to discover that most people would be perfectly happy simply banging a few keys and watching some images pop up in front of them. In my opinion, the depth of the project was still appreciated by these people, I just need to design a better UI to encourage them to keep digging. Those who walked up with a little musicality or experience with elements of production definitely had less trouble pushing the boundaries of what is possible at SYNTHESEZIA. I look forward to bridging the gap more effectively in the future through the use of custom-designed controllers using the teensey USB development board.
Now my sights are on a new endeavor. I’m not quite ready to reveal it yet but it will be worth the wait. <3
Big thanks are in order to the Freezerburn Board of Directors who worked very hard to get funding for the community to create MOAR ART. Ours was one of many projects to receive this support.
SXSW is just around the corner too…can’t wait to see what kind of insanity comes my way with that! Hopefully the paying kind!
Thanks for reading loves.
Sean