Oscilightor
Collective harmonic frequency portrait machine.
Large format interactive installation that draws with light the harmonious relationship between two people when balancing their bodies on pendular swings connected to one another as an harmonograph: a machine that became popular in the 19th century capable of producing beautiful and hypnotic graphics by mapping the relationship between two swinging pendulums.
Replicating the system of an harmonograph, there are two pendular swings connected to each other by their base through a pole hanging on a structure. In the center, the point where the two swings come together through this bar, there is an LED that is moving through this central space generated by the arrangement of the swings. The movement of light is generated and is affected by the people swinging in of both swings and is a reflection of their harmony.
Project created with Marta Verde and developed with Openframeworks.
*Featured in Neo2 Magazine.
*Comissioned for DGTL Festival BCN 2017
Physical description
A camera captures the scene from the top. From the movement generated by the users during the oscillation, a drawing is created representing a precise graphic record of the harmonic frequency of the pair. This shape will be visualized in real time thanks to a software that will get the camera recording, process it and project the result on an ex profeso surface, or taking advantage of some surface available at the festival. Also the output visualization will be interpreted by the software that will compose a sound output also in real time.
Each visual representation is unique and different derived from the different harmonies between the participants, creating unique collective portraits of the relationship between them. Each complete visualization of an harmonograph usually lasts about 3 minutes. At the end of each visualization, participants can take a snapshot of the result of their frequencies in harmony.