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TextEffect is a reactive installation that obscures scrolling text of minimalist quotes by projecting on a moving system of mirrors. Hanging from the ceiling, these mirrors move due to vibrations from small DC motors attached to them. These motors vibrate continuously until an ultrasonic sensor detects the presence of a person near the installation. Once a viewer is present, the mirrors become still, and he or she may read the artwork's "message" since the text in the projection is now clear.
SYSTEM
A projector is hidden beneath a platform on the floor, its beam directed up towards a hanging array of mirrors. Each of these mirrors is connected to a vibrating motor that shifts the mirror's position in space. The projection consists of a Processing applet that scrolls minimalist text quotes pulled from a database horizontally across the platform.
In contrast to the typical software filter, the vibrations of the mirrors blur and fragment the text with a sort of kinetic filter. This kinetic filter continues its motion until a proximity sensor wired to a custom programmed microcontroller detects the presence of a viewer.
EXAMPLE VIDEO
Click to view video of textEffect installed at 2005 ITP Winter Show.