Sep 9 2009
A group of Design Computing students from the University will be exhibiting an innovative new interactive exhibition opening next week on the theme of climate change and the Antarctica.
The project was led by artist, researcher and lecturer Dr onacloV (Caitilin de Brigny Wall) who, along with sound designer/composer and lecturer Michael Bates, advised the 15 students who created the work in a special elective called InterANTARCTICA.
The 15 students (see their profiles on the InterANTARCTICA website) have now been invited to show their work later this month at the Australian National University's School of Art Gallery.
Entering the museum space the viewer is encircled by three data projection screens, of Antarctic ice cliffs and scientists from the Australian Antarctic Division drilling ice core samples, giving the sense of being surrounded by the Antarctica landscape.
Unlike most museum installations, InterANTARCTICA relies on viewer-interaction. Inside the museum space, Antarctic compositions created by other viewers play in real-time audio interaction.
"InterANTARCTICA is an interdisciplinary research project that provides a technological platform for the public to interact, experience and gain vital knowledge about climate change," says Dr onacloV.
"The installation gives the viewer a feeling of being surrounded by the Antarctica landscape by experiencing multiple senses (sight, sound, touch). Inside the museum space, the viewer hears Antarctic compositions, created by other viewers in real-time audio interaction.
"By creating sound the viewer engages in an additional interaction by modifying a large-scale visualisation. The interactive environment stimulates a multiple sensory experience."
Dr onacloV says the result is an entertaining, interactive and visually sophisticated method for conveying critical information about climate change and its effect on Antarctica.
She says the project has allowed students to develop and demonstrate leading skills and knowledge in Tangible User Interface (TUI) technologies. "Students have gained an amazing level of competency in TUI Technology that places them at the forefront of the future of information design, installation art and interaction design."
According to onacloV, TUI will be an increasingly important feature of museum displays and education in the future. "It is great to prepare students to lead the way in this field."
What: Exhibition, Beginning Middle End.
When: Friday, 18 September until 26 September. Hours Tues-Fri 10.30am-5.00pm
Sat Noon-5.00pm.
Where: Australian National University's School of Art Gallery, Ellery Crescent, Acton, Canberra.