For project number two, I have decided to take the idea we have discussed during class about interactive display and irony into real life. I will be creating an analog interactive space of ‘irony’ by turning Heimbold’s bathroom into a fancy art museum. The bathroom will be filled with replica of expensive paintings from famous painters, such as Leonardo Davinchi’s Mona Lisa, hung up in stalls above toilet. The moment someone uses the bathroom and walks into the stall, he/she will see the two contrasting object: The dirty toilet and the fancy painting in gold, silver, and bronze frame. The contrast between the object, purpose of space, use of space, and emotional uprising will be my form of interaction.
Unlike the usual interactive displays I have created, I am hoping to explore and create interactive art through space arrangement rather than single object of interaction. Additionally, it will be my first ever analog display which I have always wanted to try. They key to my display is irony and fanciness.
This display creates magic circle through use of space and the emotional tension the display brings out. When using a bathroom, the irony and oddity create common emotion, which links peoples in that space through display of emotion and conversation that rise from the emotion. The situation the interactors are placed in creates odd emotions to their setting and thus creates strong interaction to the display and the surrounding people who are also interacting. This interactive display supports Dewaal’s ideal through city as a public sphere and community of strangers. Bathroom is a space of strangers where privacy is prioritized but sometimes create social exchange through small conversation and contact. However, the commonality of emotions through the display change this space into a public sphere of interaction that confront the strangers to exchange thoughts and emotions through complexities of space and display.
Yun Mi Koh
