Prof. C.E.B. Reas
Read Golan Levin's Computer Vision for Artists and Designers: Pedagogic Tools
and Techniques for Novice Programmers, found here: http://www.flong.com/writings/texts/essay_cvad.html.
Read Chapters 2 and 5 in Myron Krueger's Artificial Reality II, located in
the MARS. We will discuss these texts in class on 11 January.
Develop a concept for a video mirror which utilizes techniques of computer
vision. "Mirror" is the theme for this exercise. Use the form and
motion of a body or bodies as the input to the system. As a class, you will
need to decide upon a standard platform on which everyone's projects will
run.
You have two options for approaching this exercise:
1. Create - Express your idea through a software prototype
2. Simulate - Express your idea with a video simulation
Be prepared in class on 11 January to discuss at least 10 ideas with the class.
Present your ideas as a series of projected images of 1024x768 pixel resolution.
Also present your 2 favorite media art projects which utilize techniques of
computer vision. If possible, show video documentation of your selections.
Be prepared to present your work in progress to Casey on 18 January. A working
prototype or rough cut of your video is required on this date.
Points to consider:
What is the relation between the method of interaction and the content?
What are different ways the body can be used as the input? (i.e. position,
gesture, orientation)
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Exercise 02. Behavioral Object / Tofu Box (Due 06 February)
The goal of this exercise is to imbue an object with behavior. The object
is a 6"x6" white foamcore cube. The object must sense some apsect
of its environment (e.g. light, distance, orientation, touch). It must have
a physical output (e.g. light, sound, motion). It must have a software control
system for mapping the input to the output. For more examples, check out Jim
Campbell's Formula for Computer
Art. Before sketching ideas, read portions of the following texts:
Paul Dourish. Seeking a Foundation for Context-Aware Computing (Read only
pages 5-10)
Mark Weiser. The Computer for the 21st
Century (Read only pages 1-4)
Hiroshi
Ishii and Brygg Ullmer. Tangible Bits: Towards Seamless Interfaces between
People, Bits and Atoms (Read only pages 1-4)
Casey Reas. Modified Text Excerpts from Behavioral Kinetic Sculpture (Read
all, it's only 2 pages)
There are two deadlines leading up the final critique on 06 February:
25 January: Discussion of assigned texts & 10 ideas presented as sketches
(on paper or computer)
30 January: Prototype Critique
To support this exercise, Tom Igoe from NYU's ITP is holding an electroncis
workshop 26-28 January. The workshop details are included in a separate email.
Points to consider:
Perception of control, responsiveness, (un)predictability
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Exercise 03. Document (Due 13 February)
Excellent documentation is extremely important for submitting work to festivals,
giving lectures, and securing commissions. Document the first two exercises
(Image, Object) with thirty second movies. Create 320x240 pixel Quicktime
movies, place them into the provided template, and upload them to the course
website. Be sure to illustrate the interaction between the work and its performer(s).
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Exercise 04. Propose (Due 15 February)
The final project for Interactive Environments is open for you to explore
personal interests. A goal for this project is to develop skills and methodologies
for realizing future works. You should take this opportunity and improve your
ability to develop diverse ideas. You must build the project using a methodology
where there will be a new, interactive prototype each week. Each member of
the class will use your prototype and the qualities of this interaction will
be the basis for a critique.
The proposal will include images, diagrams, and drawings illustrating your
idea. It will be presented in class using a projector and it should be handed
in as a paper document. Include a detailed schedule and technical specification.
If your idea is too complex to build in five weeks, focus on building a specific
part of the project.
Restrictions:
You must be the primary "artist" and "engineer" for the
project. Consulting others with specialized knowledge is encouraged, but you
must create the work with your own mind and hands.
Advice:
If you're not able to build a rough working prototype of your idea in one
week, you need to simplify. If you will be using any technology you are unfamiliar
with, begin ordering supplies and making tests immediately.
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Exercise 05. Prototype (Due 27 February)
Develop a working prototype of your system or part of your system.
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Exercise 06. Refine (Due 6 March)
Complete and refine your working prototype. Put simply, make significant progress
toward realizing and improving the project.
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Exercise 07. Implement & Document (Due 20 March)
Now that you have a completed a working prototype, refine and build a robust
version for the 20 March Critique.
Document your prototype with a two minute 320x240 pixel Quicktime movie. Post
your documentation to the class website.
Research Report
Develop a presentation and essay about one of the following artists:
Luc Courchesne
Char Davies
Olafur Eliasson
Ken Feingold
Perry Hoberman
Robert Irwin
Rafael Lozano-Hemmer
Ken Rinaldo
Scott Snibbe
If you would like to present a different artist, it may be possible.
Make your selection by 11 January.
The essay should focus on his/her contribution to the domain of interactive
environments. When discussing the artist's work, I recommend focusing on one
or two pieces. Citation and the References should follow the Chicago
Manual of Style format. Your essay should follow this outline:
1 Abstract (60 - 100 words)
2 Background (300 - 400 words)
What are the precedents of this person and their work?
3 Description (300 - 400 words)
A factual description of the person and her/his work
4 Analysis (300 - 400 words)
Why is this person important?
What are the strengths of her/his work?
What are the weaknesses of her/his work?
5 Conclusions (60 - 100 words)
6 References
Minimum of three books, articles, essays about the artist
The presentation will be given within class and should last twenty minutes.
The presentation should follow the same format as the essay.
Discussion
Select an article, essay, or chapter relevant the broad topic of Interactive
Environments. Lead the class in a half hour discussion.
Advice:
Select a short text to maximize the potential for people to carefully read
the material.
