Videohttps://youtu.be/jIQXMN7I2b4

Webpage
Sketch Aquarium by teamLab is a project that takes the drawings of sea creatures colored in by children (done on location) and projects them onto a giant ‘fish tank’ virtual aquarium wall. Not only do kids get to see the image they colored in appear and swim in this fish tank setting, but they can interact with their drawing in the projection. The fish flock (to feed the fish) to or swim away in response to certain gestures made by the audience (the kids).

(Once the image is colored in, it is scanned and appears in the virtual fish tank)

What I find interesting about this piece is the transition from a physical paper and color drawing to a larger than life virtual context. The initial step of coloring in an image takes an activity that most of the audience has presumably done previously and adds another element to it, making It is both accessible, and exciting. The direct simplicity of the relationship of the interactive events (color in the fish – scan – and then you can find it on the wall), and the wall size scale of the piece (encouraging full body physical interaction) creates a perfect space for children to interact and play with. Once the drawings have been projected, the addition of the “feeding” element, adds yet  another layer to the piece, in a game like simulated environment, the sea creatures colored/created by the kids really do take on a life of their own.