Entry project

Artist: Daniel Popescu Name of the project: Immersion Type: Audio-Visual Installation

Project description: The aim of Immersion installation is to create a disruption from reality by simulating a migration to a void, portal-like space. In order to achieve this feeling, the combination of darkness, optical illusion and sound will define a unitary object a claustrophobic cabin as starting point for a synesthesic experience. The cabin as shown in fig. 1 with green is a tube-like construction (plastic or textile material) with 200 cm height and 70 cm in diameter with an entrance, offering a one person only space for access. Inside the cabin, the (A) and (B) components create the optical illusion of the installation. In fact, these are infinite mirrors with tunneling effect as described in Fig 2. In Fig. 2 we can examine the plan of an infinite mirror. A reflective film (A) is placed at 1,5 cm distance from mirror (C), and the space between the (A) and (C) elements is filled with LED lights (B). The support of the elements is provided by a thin black frame (D). The visual effect is achieved in a dark space, presented as a tunnel filled with lights (optical illusion created by the repeated reflections generated by LED lights between the reflective film and mirror).

In the images below is presented the visual perception of the infinite mirror by the viewer (pictures taken from another personal exhibition of the artist).

Returning to Fig. 1, the infinite mirrors placed at the top and the bottom of the cabin (the (A) and (B) elements) will create an infinite tunnel for the viewer on vertical direction (effect amplified by mirrors placement one parallel with each other and the person between them). The (B) component will have an additional layer of glass protection to absorb the pressure generated by the viewers weight. The audio background of the installation is formed by undefined low frequency sounds, creating the impression of immersion or underwater slow movement sounds for a moody effect. For a more impressive effect, a movement sensor will be placed at the entrance of the cabin, recording the access of the public. The signal generated on 2 channels will be used to establish whether a person is inside the cabin. If the sensor detects a viewer, it will transmit a signal for sound intensity and another signal for lights intensity to a receiver that will modify the volume of the audio background and the intensity of the LED lights. As result, when a person enters the cabin, the audiovisual perception will be amplified for a better feeling of the immersion in void space, making a relational installation. In order to create a darker space, the installation can be surrounded by a tent that would stop the external light penetrate the cabins entrance.

Concept: Presented as an atmospheric and relational installation, the aim of the Immersion project is to generate a new dimensional space inside de art gallery. However, the new created space is not a fixed/stable one but challenges the senses of the viewer due to the optical illusion created. Entering this universe, a person can have a floating or immersion sensation like a migration to an unknown space. Also, the almost claustrophobic space and the infinite tunnel, helped by the low frequency background sound, should generate to any viewer a strange and insecure feeling of travelling to another dimension.