This work is an installation that connects distant places online. Bubble machines at the installation site then creates soap bubbles based on the breath data of online participants in real time. Through a web browser, they can see the bubbles floating in the air as if they are blowing in person at the venue. This work allows participants to feel the air in a remote location. And it also gives them a way to communicate to the remote location ”physically” in these times of restricted mobility.
Air on Air
As we blow and make soap bubbles using our breath, we sometimes feel our presence within the floating bubbles. This work is a participatory physical installation that connects distant lands online with bubbles. The breath blown by an online participant is detected by a microphone on the tablet or the PC and transmitted to the installation site as data. A bubble machine at the installation site then creates soap bubbles based on the strength and length of the breath data. The bubble machine is also equipped with a webcam, and online participants can see the bubbles as if you are blowing soap bubbles in person at the venue. At the installation venue, multiple machines line up, each releasing bubbles based on the breath collected by online participants. This online installation allows participants to look at the sky in a remote location across a distance. And it also gives them a way to communicate to the remote location ”physically” through soap bubbles in these times of restricted mobility.
Credit: Yasuaki Kakehi
Project Credits / Acknowledgements
Project Members: Yasuaki Kakehi, Daisuke Akatsuka, Juri Fujii, Yoshimori Yoshikawa, Joung Min Han
Special Thanks: Wataru Date
Yasuaki Kakehi Lab., The University of Tokyo
Biography
Yasuaki Kakehi (JP) is a media artist and an HCI researcher. Associate Professor of the Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies, The University of Tokyo. He received his PhD from the University of Tokyo. He has created interactive works and installations that augment our experiences in the physical environment based on digital technologies and physical materials. http://xlab.iii.u-tokyo.ac.jp/yasuaki_kakehi/
Daisuke Akatsuka (JP) is a programmer. He was selected as an IPA MITOU Youth (Super Creator) in 2003 and IPA MITOU program in 2006. He is currently working on the development of the Firefox web browser, especially Developer Tools. https://github.com/dadaaJuri
Fujii (JP) is a master-course student at The University of Tokyo. She has developed soft interfaces and created installations based on fluid control. Her work has been showcased in exhibitions including SXSW and Ars Electronica Festival. https://www.jurifujii.com/Yoshimori
Yoshikawa (JP) is a programmer and an artist working on interactive and generative visuals. His creative interest lies on expressions of comfortable movement through images. He has worked for many visual design works with programming, including #emporioarmanisoundsand the exhibition at Media Ambition Tokyo 2016.
Joung Min Han (KR) is a PhD-course student at Keio University. He has created sound art and interfaces based on magnetic recording and playing techniques. He is also active as a designer, creating videos and graphics for various music artists.
