Perspectives on Infinity
Final project submission for the MA in Interactive Arts at UWE.
Go straight to the online version or keep reading for background information.
This installation is an interactive exploration of Alberti's test for true perspective - as well as being an experiment in interface design - that allows the audience to manipulate the image through the use of a Wii-remote.
To simplify somewhat, Alberti documented Brunelleschi's pioneering work on perspective and facilitated its spread during the Renaissance. He described how to test that correct - 'true' - perspective had been represented; but in fact it's possible to use his method as a means of constructing true perspective:
- Step1 - Draw the orthogonals
Divide the base line into equal parts and connect each point to the vanishing point.
- Step 2 - Draw the measuring line
A diagonal line starting at one of the bottom corners, which passes out the opposite side and connects with the horizon.
- Step 3 - Draw the transversals (parallels)
These are drawn in where the diagonal measuring line crosses each orthogonal.
Working in Processing I decided to limit myself to two-dimensions (i.e. just an x and y axis) and set myself the challenge of producing an interactive version of Alberti's system. This required the application of some long-forgotten trigonometry, which seemed far more complex than it really was. In effect the end result is a fairly crude 3D engine and I had a bit of fun exploring the - admittedly limited - possibilities it offered.
In the final installation, set up for our end of year show, I used Classiclll's wrj4P5 library to connect to a Wii-remote and used this to create a relatively simple interface. This avoided the clutter of a keyboard and mouse (and the association these might have with mundane day-to-day work-related tasks) and I had hoped the association of the remote with a games console would encourage people to pick it up and play. Needless to say what actually happened depended on the age and nervousness of the user. The older, generally more nervous visitors looked at the projection, looked at the blurb, at the controller, maybe even read the instructions, and then walked away... I guess people still can't cope with the concept of interactive media at an 'art show'. Despite this slight disappointment, plenty of people were willing to have a go and all in all the feedback I received was very positive. The project certainly achieved my initial aims to improve my programming skills, explore the possibilities offered by the Wii-remote and to produce an engaging (to those who got over the initial hurdle of picking up the remote and having a go!) and aesthetically pleasing piece.
To try out mouse/keyboard versions see the following: