Abstract

I have vivid and exhilarating memories of swinging. I would put in an immense effort for a few precious seconds, lingering briefly at the apex of the swing, experiencing a fleeting sense of weightlessness before beginning our descent. Letting go of the chains, my body would ascend from the seat, and I would sway through the air, time itself seeming to pause before rushing back with a sudden force. At times, when I achieved a high enough swing, I would stretch out my hand, trying to reach for the sky, which felt so tantalizingly close. The swing's center of gravity was suspended in mid-air, setting us in motion. As a child, I could spend endless hours playing on the swings in the park, relishing the sounds of chirping birds and the gentle touch of the breeze.

Research

My research aims to capture the essence of swinging as a symbol of freedom, wonder, and possibility. Through the creative use of technology, I am working to create a visual language that captures the dynamics and beauty of swinging, evoking the emotions and sensations of this experience. By integrating the physical and digital realms, I aim to create a new and immersive artistic experience that invites viewers to engage with the swing in a novel and imaginative way. Studies have shown that swinging can improve a child's physical and emotional well-being. According to a research article published in the Journal of Occupational Therapy in 2010, swinging can promote sensory integration, which is crucial for children's sensory development and emotional regulation (Bazyk, 2010). Swinging also provides a sense of balance and coordination, which can help children develop their gross motor skills (Roberts & Jackson, 2008). Moreover, swinging can have a positive effect on children's emotional health. It can serve as a form of stress relief, providing a calming and soothing effect on the body and mind (Sutton-Smith, 1997). The sensation of flying through the air and the feeling of weightlessness can also give children a sense of freedom and adventure, which can boost their self-confidence and sense of exploration.     References: Bazyk, S. (2010). Sensory integration and the child: 25th-anniversary edition. Western Psychological Services. Roberts, R., & Jackson, L. (2008). Developmental coordination disorder: a review of research on subtypes and comorbidities. Human Movement Science, 27(4), 640-649. Sutton-Smith, B. (1997). The ambiguity of play. Harvard University Press.

Technical Details

I've used a Kinect to detect the spatial coordinates of the body and transmit the data to TouchDesigner. With the help of this software, I've created real-time generated scenes that are projected onto a canvas. Kinect to track the motion data of participants as they interact with the sensor. The tracking data is processed using TouchDesigner and mapped onto our real-time generated effects, serving as a metaphorical "time-space shuttle" of childhood. Participants can generate effects by swinging on a swing, providing a natural and intuitive experience. This captivating installation provides a delightful and inclusive opportunity for all participants to relish in the joy of the swing and, more importantly, to be transported back to a simpler, more innocent time of childhood wonder. From young children to parents alike, this interactive activity has been thoughtfully designed with intuitive accessibility in mind, enabling everyone to participate and indulge in the blissful nostalgia of childhood.