Homology (2020)

import Kiki.Wu as objectives
import programming as transform
import participants as render
show(result)

In mathematics, homology theory discusses the boundary and the relationship between topological space and the physical world. Briefly, on the surface of a sphere, all manifolds need to be closed and connected, and thus there are no boundaries. Homology is an interactive installation that demonstrates the potential for blurring the boundaries between physical space and the virtual world.

During installation, I create a flying sphere that reflects real-time video of the gallery space, which also controls the dynamics of the sphere and environmental sounds. With looping heartbeat sounds and balloons scattered on the floor, viewers are invited to synchronize their moods and body movements with a joyful interactive installation. However, most of them have never noticed their bodies are embedded in the flying sphere, and some have found that they seldom question the feelings of being watched by the camera; in other words, they are surprisingly comfortable with the look of their bodies. The boundaries of physical space and virtual space are filled by the viewers' volunteer participants, who often blur their identities as an audience or as a medium in their artwork. The meaning of Homology is iterated by participants’ activities.