matanuki

Kites will be my final, senior project for my degree at Northern Illinois University. The piece will be a large, geometric sculpture that receives a mapped projection. By warping the video output of the projector, it is possible to create surreal visuals that both enhance and subvert the receiving surface, like this amazing work at the 2009 Branchage Film Festival. Inspired by the concept of cellular automata, the visualization will depict a simple cosmos and may involve an interactive element for viewers.

The sculpture design is based on a variation of kite design, using the traditional forms and angles to create a metaphor for the fragility and beauty of life. The collective form is reminiscent of an ice crystal, again drawing parallels to unstable but elegant architecture. This early mockup was used to illustrate the ultimate goal for the physical structure, as a star-shaped frame covered with semi-transparent material.

The target size is 60 inches in diameter, to be suspended in air.