Video as Self Portrait is a series of three interactive video sculptures that use video as well as sensors to detect the viewer’s presence and affect the video. Each sculpture represents a different aspect of my personality using video, performance, computer code, sensors, projections, audio, or knitted fabric.

Untitled 1: a Self‑portrait represents the conflict between my desire to be an artist and my inclination to hide and shun the spotlight. Untitled 2: a Self‑portrait, is a performance piece that uses video footage of my family members projected onto my face to represent the role these relationships play in my life and their affect on who I am as a person. My third self‑portrait, titled Untitled 3: a Self‑portrait, is a computer program created in Processing. A particle system fills the screen with objects that paint the screen with either the color from the live video or the static image in the background. When the viewer approaches the screen a camera detects their silhouette and reveals my image within their outline. The intention is to represent my desire for external validation.

Background
All of these pieces are rooted in the work I have been doing at ITP for the past three semesters. First semester I was learning to write computer code that used a camera as a sensor; second semester I was exploring how media can transform public spaces and existing architecture, as well as learning to create animations using traditional and computer animation techniques. Third semester, I started creating video installations using light, video, projections, found objects and interactivity in the form of video sculpture.

Influences: Bill Viola, Ann Hamilton, Camilla Utterbach, Oliver Herring, Lincoln Schatz