Kody Trauger

You

This art piece uses the viewer as its subject by recognizing when someone is in its view and displays a history of their presence.

Classes
Introduction to Computational Media


At first glance, a viewer sees their current image displayed. By using face detection in Processing, the repeated images from a web camera are adjusted so that they become brighter. Once they walk away from the display, a trace of their presence is briefly left behind and the display dims. A tinted live feed from the camera is also displayed allowing the viewer to see themselves in the present and the past.

Visitors need not to anything more than just view the work as they would a canvas hanging on a wall.

This project is inspired by the aesthetics of Warhol, and the difficulty of examining our past selves.

Background
I had to learn about using the OpenCV library for face-detection as well as how to control and save various images from the camera.

Audience
The piece is designed to be displayed in a museum or gallery.

User Scenario
Someone stands in front of the display and they watch as the image changes.

Implementation
This is made all in Processing and is strictly a visual piece of art.

Conclusion
I learned that sometimes the mistakes of a project actually turn out ot be a benefit. I also learned to work with the automatic adjustments of an iSight camera.