Liquid Views - Narcissus' Mirror (1992-93) by Monika Fleischmann & Wolfgang Strauss

The interactive art installation »Liquid Views« is a simulation of water in which the viewer's reflection is portrayed as in real water. A finger tip on the touch-sensitive screen releases waves and causes the self-portrait to dissolve. The interactive installation translates the parable of Narcissus in a visual and intellectual reflection of the relation of image and effigy. A horizontal screen shows the simulation of a blue shimmering water surface on which the viewers see their own reflection. The artificial nature is steered by artificial intelligence. Accompanied by dripping and gurgling sounds the realistic appearance of simulated water draws the observer to touch the screen so that the image blurs. The more demanding the touch, the more the reflexion disappears. If the waves calm down, the virtual reflexion seems untouched.
A big projection in the background offers viewers a second perspective in which a magnifying mirror reflects the viewers gaze. Strongly enlarged, the virtually reflected face looks into the space and onto the next spectators. Thus, the introverted look at one's self is diverted into a look on the others. Therefore, in a sense, the viewer and the spectator seem both to become the observed. The mirror screen can be understood as an interface that connects the real with the virtual world.

Artists / Authors: Monika Fleischmann, Wolfgang Strauss with Christian-Arved Bohn

Origination: Germany, 1992-93
http://www.eculturefactory.de/liquid-views

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• new
• media
• art
• interface
• culture
• interactive