Work
Work
Crossroad
Crossroad
Crossroad is an interactive art installation that immerses viewers in an AI-like experience, allowing them to ask questions and receive cryptic, thought-provoking responses from an apparently sentient presence.
Crossroad is an interactive art installation that immerses viewers in an AI-like experience, allowing them to ask questions and receive cryptic, thought-provoking responses from an apparently sentient presence.
Year :
Year :
2020
2020
An Interactive Oracle for the Digital Age
An Interactive Oracle for the Digital Age
Initially inspired by Pinterest quotes, the project was conceptualized in 2015 and aimed to simulate the feeling of conversing with an artificial intelligence years before large language models emerged. The installation combines technology and human curiosity,
Initially inspired by Pinterest quotes, the project was conceptualized in 2015 and aimed to simulate the feeling of conversing with an artificial intelligence years before large language models emerged. The installation combines technology and human curiosity,
From LED Letters to Projection Mapping: The Evolution of Crossroad
From LED Letters to Projection Mapping: The Evolution of Crossroad
Initially designed as a light installation using LED letters that would illuminate in response to spoken questions, Crossroad was intended to create the impression of an aware AI—like a modern oracle. In 2020, curator Susanne Wedewer-Pampas invited me to showcase the work at Kunstverein Leverkusen Schloss Morsbroich. Due to budget and technical complexities, I adapted Crossroad into a projection-based installation that enveloped viewers in a room where answers appeared as if being “written” by an invisible entity on all walls.
The adaptation to a room-scale projection allowed for a more immersive experience, emphasizing the sense of standing in front of an all-knowing oracle. The responses—vague and open-ended—are designed to encourage personal interpretation, capturing the magic of a digital oracle that feels alive, aware, and yet as enigmatic as ancient myths.
Initially designed as a light installation using LED letters that would illuminate in response to spoken questions, Crossroad was intended to create the impression of an aware AI—like a modern oracle. In 2020, curator Susanne Wedewer-Pampas invited me to showcase the work at Kunstverein Leverkusen Schloss Morsbroich. Due to budget and technical complexities, I adapted Crossroad into a projection-based installation that enveloped viewers in a room where answers appeared as if being “written” by an invisible entity on all walls.
The adaptation to a room-scale projection allowed for a more immersive experience, emphasizing the sense of standing in front of an all-knowing oracle. The responses—vague and open-ended—are designed to encourage personal interpretation, capturing the magic of a digital oracle that feels alive, aware, and yet as enigmatic as ancient myths.
Initially designed as a light installation using LED letters that would illuminate in response to spoken questions, Crossroad was intended to create the impression of an aware AI—like a modern oracle
Initially designed as a light installation using LED letters that would illuminate in response to spoken questions, Crossroad was intended to create the impression of an aware AI—like a modern oracle
The adaptation to a room-scale projection allowed for a more immersive experience, emphasizing the sense of standing in front of an all-knowing oracle.
The adaptation to a room-scale projection allowed for a more immersive experience, emphasizing the sense of standing in front of an all-knowing oracle.
The typewriter effect, which I introduced during the development phase, further enhances this sense of interactivity. When someone asks a question, the answer is gradually revealed in real-time, mimicking the effect of someone “thinking” and “writing.” This effect adds an element of suspense, making the viewer feel as if they are witnessing the oracle craft its response right in front of them.
The typewriter effect, which I introduced during the development phase, further enhances this sense of interactivity. When someone asks a question, the answer is gradually revealed in real-time, mimicking the effect of someone “thinking” and “writing.” This effect adds an element of suspense, making the viewer feel as if they are witnessing the oracle craft its response right in front of them.
Technical Execution: Building an Immersive Digital Oracle
Technical Execution: Building an Immersive Digital Oracle
Projector Network and Sound-Activation Setup
Crossroad’s projection mapping setup consists of three projectors connected to Raspberry Pi microcomputers. The installation operates autonomously, with each Raspberry Pi configured to boot up automatically and start the program without requiring a monitor. The Pi network is synchronized to ensure that the projections display answers seamlessly across all walls without delay. The core system is written in Processing for visual rendering, with Python scripts managing the Pi network and sound sensor.
Microcomputer Synchronization: One Pi serves as the server, connected to a sound sensor and microphone, while the other Pis function as clients that project answers in real-time.
Headless Configuration: Each Pi operates headlessly (without a monitor), simplifying setup for curators.
Interactive Answer Database: A matrix database houses the possible responses, chosen randomly to ensure that every interaction is unique.
The development process involved addressing various technical challenges, such as configuring the Pis to automatically start the program, establishing reliable Wi-Fi communication, and minimizing any network latency. Each component works in unison to provide the illusion of spontaneous, responsive answers.
Projector Network and Sound-Activation Setup
Crossroad’s projection mapping setup consists of three projectors connected to Raspberry Pi microcomputers. The installation operates autonomously, with each Raspberry Pi configured to boot up automatically and start the program without requiring a monitor. The Pi network is synchronized to ensure that the projections display answers seamlessly across all walls without delay. The core system is written in Processing for visual rendering, with Python scripts managing the Pi network and sound sensor.
Microcomputer Synchronization: One Pi serves as the server, connected to a sound sensor and microphone, while the other Pis function as clients that project answers in real-time.
Headless Configuration: Each Pi operates headlessly (without a monitor), simplifying setup for curators.
Interactive Answer Database: A matrix database houses the possible responses, chosen randomly to ensure that every interaction is unique.
The development process involved addressing various technical challenges, such as configuring the Pis to automatically start the program, establishing reliable Wi-Fi communication, and minimizing any network latency. Each component works in unison to provide the illusion of spontaneous, responsive answers.
Exhibition Highlights and Reception
Exhibition Highlights and Reception
Crossroad premiered at Kunstverein Leverkusen Schloss Morsbroich in 2020, where it quickly became a popular feature despite pandemic restrictions. The installation’s interactivity and immersive setup drew diverse audiences, eager to experience this fusion of ancient myth with modern technology. Two years later, Crossroad was exhibited at K19 Studios in Berlin’s Zehlendorf neighborhood, attracting visitors from across the city despite its remote location.
These exhibitions underscored the impact of interactive, human-centered technology, affirming my belief that technology can engage on a personal level when designed with the human experience in mind.
Crossroad premiered at Kunstverein Leverkusen Schloss Morsbroich in 2020, where it quickly became a popular feature despite pandemic restrictions. The installation’s interactivity and immersive setup drew diverse audiences, eager to experience this fusion of ancient myth with modern technology. Two years later, Crossroad was exhibited at K19 Studios in Berlin’s Zehlendorf neighborhood, attracting visitors from across the city despite its remote location.
These exhibitions underscored the impact of interactive, human-centered technology, affirming my belief that technology can engage on a personal level when designed with the human experience in mind.
Reflection: Blending Technology and Humanity
Reflection: Blending Technology and Humanity
While the installation was designed to entertain and spark curiosity, I also wanted it to challenge the relationship we have with technology, turning it into something more human-centered. I hope that people walked away from Crossroad feeling a sense of connection, wonder, and perhaps a little joy from the playful nature of the experience.
While the installation was designed to entertain and spark curiosity, I also wanted it to challenge the relationship we have with technology, turning it into something more human-centered. I hope that people walked away from Crossroad feeling a sense of connection, wonder, and perhaps a little joy from the playful nature of the experience.
Next Project
Next Project
Meteo Generative
Meteo Generative
Meteo Generative
A data visualization installation based on real-time weather sensor data, addressing an over-digitalized world.
A data visualization installation based on real-time weather sensor data, addressing an over-digitalized world.
A data visualization installation based on real-time weather sensor data, addressing an over-digitalized world.
AtemWeise
AtemWeise
AtemWeise
An AI-powered app that helps asthma patients track symptoms and manage treatment for improved disease management.
An AI-powered app that helps asthma patients track symptoms and manage treatment for improved disease management.
An AI-powered app that helps asthma patients track symptoms and manage treatment for improved disease management.
Silhouette - AR Book
Silhouette - AR Book
Silhouette - AR Book
An AR book for parents and children (ages 3-5) that brings animal silhouettes to life with interactive 3D models and sounds for immersive learning.
An AR book for parents and children (ages 3-5) that brings animal silhouettes to life with interactive 3D models and sounds for immersive learning.
An AR book for parents and children (ages 3-5) that brings animal silhouettes to life with interactive 3D models and sounds for immersive learning.