ESCAPISM EXPERIMENTAL INSTALLATION — 2016
In this fast moving society, there are times when life becomes so unpleasant and unbearable that it makes us want to run away and escape from the harsh reality. As we seek ways to deal with it as a temporary relief or distraction, we are already practicing Escapism. There is an Escapist in all of us, yet society often condemns such acts with negativity, regarding it as pointless and unproductive.
Escapism can actually be beneficial for us in the long run as temporary healthy habits that help us recharge and reconnect with ourselves. Hence, we want to encourage our audience to take occasional short breaks from the stressful aspects of life. Experimenting with led lights, Arduino, sensors and motion graphics, Escapism is an interactive installation that allows people to experience and dwell in a moment of Escapism.
Black cloth stretches over the installation, creating the illusion of morphing out from the wall. A series of slow and trance-like monochromatic animation of dots and optical illusions flow seamlessly on the screen in a loop to relax the mind and make one feel at peace. When fingers are placed on the handprint, the sensors trigger led lights on both side panels to light up into infinity and change colour continuously. As the viewer spends time enjoying the visuals, they are already experiencing a moment of Escapism.
Grad project collaboration with Yap Jia Le.
Exhibited at Singapore Polytechnic Unlimited Showcase 2016.
