The Western Wall (הכותל המערבי) in Jerusalem is one of the most sacred sites for Judaism. For over 2000 years, people have been coming to this wall in search of hope, thankfulness and belief. Current internet technology allows 24 hour real-time connection to the wall, through our web browsers. This installation aims to break the convention of the computer screen, creating a strong connection to a physical location, using 3d technology and touch sensors. I am intrigued by the immense amounts of information available online, and am interested in breaking these boundaries, as they are currently set. The touch sensitive interface will allow users to navigate through the different niches created in 3D space, using two different live webcam footage from the Kotel.

I am interested in the connection that the internet allows us to create between two or more faraway locations. When we post photographs online, we are sharing memories of a moment with the whole world. In search of enhancing a frozen still moment, I long to create a presence of a place, a moving image that can bring the viewer the essence of a faraway location. Using current technologies available through the web, we can easily receive information and stay connected to places all around the globe.

This project is a creation of an intimate connection not to the people at the Kotel, but to the location itself. Most people visiting the site don't realize that these cameras exist and broadcast footage online, causing a moral problem. On the other hand, the viewer is not able to recognize or specifically see any faces, as the cameras do not allow close-up views. This only strengthens the explicit connection to the location vs. a connection to people at that location. Over a while, one can start noticing the different patterns occuring at the Kotel:
sunrise over the wall, changing density according to prayer times, light play on the Jerusalem stone, and more.

This intimate connection allows you to view the Kotel in real time, 24 hours a day, excluding Sabbath.

Transparent telepresence is the experience of being fully present at a live real world location remote from one's own physical location. I am not interested in creating an immersive environment that comes instead of the real. I want to help make a window, or peep-hole to different cultures and worldwide locations.

Anyone who is curious to see, hear and feel slight connection to this phenomenal location in Jerusalem.

Back projection, using a slanted mirror, projecting onto a wide screen / canvas. There will be a "controller" (physical object) in front of the projection, in the shape of a rock. The viewer will be able to navigate through the projected space while touching different spots on the rock. The images will consist of live webcast footage from the Kotel in Jerusalem. On Friday nights, and Sabbath (Israel time), the installation will not project anything, in honor of the observation of the Sabbath.