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Soul Culture

An interactive and immersive installation that merges the power of digital media with Renee Cox’s artistic vision and sensibilities for exhibition at The Mattress Factory in June 2022.

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Overview

ROLE: Research & Experience Designer

CLIENT: The Mattress Factory Museum, Pittsburgh, PA

TIMELINE: 12 weeks, 2022

​​TEAM: 2 Developers, 2 Artist, 1 UX Designer

TOOLS: AfterEffects, Unity 3D

Challenge

Work with The Mattress Factory, curator Jessica Gaynelle Moss and internationally acclaimed multidisciplinary artist Renee Cox to develop an installation that merges the power of digital media with Cox’s artistic vision and sensibilities for exhibition at The Mattress Factory in June 2022.

Background

 

Renee Cox - The Artist

Renee Cox is a photographer, artist, lecturer, and political activist.  Her works capture the identities and beauty within her subjects. She is using her own body, both nude and clothed to celebrate black womanhood and deconstruct stereotypes.

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Jessica Gaynelle Moss - The Curator

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Jessica is an artist, independent curator and arts consultant. She runs her own arts consultancy, curates exhibitions and performances.

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The Mattress Factory, Pittsburgh - The Location

is a contemporary art museum located in Pittsburgh. The Mattress Factory has pioneered the development of alternative art forms through site-specific installations, video, and performance art.

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Research

Research

Research Goals
 

  • Understand artist Renee's artistic vision and sensibilities.

  • Find technical solutions for single or multi-channel installations.

  • Find inspiration from other immersive exhibits.

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The Artist

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Renee's Vision

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  • Celebrate black womanhood

  • Revolutionise the racist and sexist society

  • Address social issues 

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Art Style

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  • Layered Digital Photography  

  • Abstract 

  • Human Bodies Distortion 

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Technology 

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I collaborated with the developers to research possible technical solutions for single or multi-channel installations, head mounted experiences, projection mapping, and other possible platforms that serve both the installation feasibility and the artistic integrity of the project.

Research Methods
 

  • In-depth Interviews with the stakeholders 

  • Secondary research utilising online resources 

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Artworks from the original Soul Culture series by Renee Cox

Hologram

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Kinect

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Zeotrope

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Projection Mapping 

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Market Research for Inspiration

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Define

User Flow

Project Goals

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Art Work

Integrate the artist’s own art piece with modern interactive technology

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Immersive

Create an immersive and inclusive space in the artist’s art style

Experience Goals

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Embodiment 

Guests use their body to control and trigger interactions

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Art Space

Guests's feel immersed in the artworks

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Augment 

Guests' interactions serve as part of the narrative

User Flow

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Room 1

Room 2

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Floor Plan

Floor Plan

Floor Plan

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Room 1

Room 2

Exhibit Area - Annex Gallery, 3rd Floor, Mattress Factory (Room 1 & 2)

Source Artwork

We designer our installation for the first room based on 2 artworks provided by Renee Cox. 

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Exhibit Area - Annex Gallery, 3rd Floor, Mattress Factory (Room 1 & 2)

Prototypes

Room 1

Interactive projections using Kinect Azure and Projectors.

Room 2

Immersive projection mapping Projectors.

Prototype
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