Looking Outwards 07 – Information Visualization

Unnumbered Sparks is a project by Aaron Koblin and Janet Echelman. This interactive monumental sculpture is a crowd-controlled visual artwork that is installed in air on a large canvas. The designs and colors of the sculpture are based on the visitors present in the area through their mobile devices. People are able to use their phones to paint different colors of light across the artwork. Every single movement of the mobile devices project vivid beams of light in the artwork. What I admire about this sculpture is that it is interactive with the audiences in the area. Thus, I find the large scale and complexity of the installation is really inspiring as a design major. The computational software that is used in this artwork explores different scale, shape, density, and interaction with visitors. The material used in this installation is also very interesting, because the structure of the sculpture is made with soft fibers that are attached to existing buildings in the area. The exploration of unique materials and interaction really shows how much the artists focused on the connection between installation and people. Computation technology is successfully used in this interactive sculpture and it also shows the creator’s sensibilities to incorporate art and people into the project.

Website:  http://www.aaronkoblin.com/project/unnumbered-sparks/