Description
+ Primordial Soup is an artwork which uses a computer and a video screen to create a microbiological touch pool. This interactive installation uses Arduino Microcontroller, PureData, and Boids Algorithm.
Primordial Soup is an interactive video installation based on the process of evolution.
The project integrates open source softwares such as Pure Data, GEM and Arduino 11 with motion sensors.
Primordial Soup features animations of microbial forms I draw in Flash CS3. The animations are then imported in PD and made independent using Boids algorithm. Developed by Craig Reynolds in 1986, Boids is an artificial life program, simulating the flocking behavior of birds. Boids work in a manner similar to cellular automata since each boid "acts" autonomously and references a neighborhood, as do cellular automata.
My virtual ecosystem of microbes is controlled and influenced by a user interface, whereby the viewers movement or action affect the evolution of my animations. These elements combine together to recreate an environment of early earth and simulate the origins of life. This interaction is important in emulating the fragile quality of life and its easy influence on each other.
The installation of Primordial Soup resembles a touch pool found in marine centers. Touch pools are interactive aquariums set up in Marine Biology labs designed to provide habitat for marine life while biologists can research the organisms.
+ The research and creation of this project is funded through Conseil des arts et des letters Quebec
+ Components of this project are currently being developed at Studio XX in Montreal
The project uses video loops of microbial animations:
I often involve many platforms, and my work is very research orientated. In the last two years, I began developing new technologies in video, animation and interactive computing as an invited artist at Studio XX. In September 2008, I was chosen to present Primordial Soup during the Journées de la culture event in Montreal. The project was funded through the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, and developed at Studio xx with the help of programmer Alexandre Quessy.
Primordial Soup is an interactive video installation based on the origins of life and features microbial animations I hand draw in Flash. It is also the root inspiration for my new work Sea Monkeys as it uses similar themes and technology.
EQUIPMENT :
The project consists of the following equipment, and is flexible to show in various video supports.
- 1 Lcd screen
- VGA cables
- internal electronics (arduino, wiring, sensors - supplied by artist)
- sculptural rock pool (houses elctronics)
- 1 computer (supplied by artist)
- USB cable
- participants
DURATION :
The project requires a two days to install for presentation in gallery.
Diagram of how BOIDS works.
[Images from Craig Reynolds]
Arduino and wiring [ image: allison moore 2008]
Sea Monkeys is an interactive video installation using Pure Data, Sensors, arduino and Boids Algorithm. To be exhibited at RCC [Regional Cultural Centre : Leterkenny, IRELAND ]
bio
Allison Moore is an independent artist and curator developing projects at the intersection of art and science. Her engagements include documentary filmmaking, video installation, animation, and puppet theatre. Her works are socially and politically conscience, often including a level of absurdity, humor and surrealism. Originally from the Pacific Coast of Canada she has produced projects in Ecuador, the Galapagos, United Kingdom, Europe and North America. Allison is currently developing new technologies in video, animation and interactive computing as an invited artist at Studio XX and the Society of Arts and Technology in Montreal.
www.looper.ca
www.looperprojects/blogspot.com
www.studioxx.org