Distress Signals, 52°40'N, 08°34'W

"Distress Signals, 52°40'N, 08°34'W" is an interactive art installation, site-specific to
the dive pit of the Physical Education & Sports Sciences (PESS) Building, University
of Limerick. This installation is designed to capitalize on intrinsic architectural
features of the space.

Motion tracking allows participants to become part of the work itself, and contribute
to their own experience, altering audio and visual projection. The motion of
participants is captured and mapped to custom-built mechanical paddles designed to
disturb the surface of the water within the pit, and reflect light. Light projected onto
the pool's surface is reflected to reveal the natural chaotic progressions of a dynamic
surface, analogous of the uncontrollable nature of the sea.

Real-time audio and video processing will incorporate recordings of various
underwater environments and selected sound samples designed to sonically convey
the threat of this natural, unpredictable force. This composition presents a rich and
ambient abstraction of a perilous underwater soundscape. The installation will
culminate with a performance by sub-aqua divers, in tribute to search and rescue
teams and those who have been sadly lost at sea.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Distress
• signals
• interactive
• art
• installation
• motion
• tracking
• arduino
• sensors
• sound
• video
• audio
• visual
• limerick
• university
• water
• sea
• chaotic
• pool
• sub-aqua
• divers
• dynamic
• surface
• ripple
• performance
• recordings
• underwater
• search
• and
• rescue
• mariners
• scuba
• soundscape
• tribute
• lament
• music
• haunting