SCRAMBLE SUIT (2004)
 
 
 

In the installation user encounters his own image in a real-time projection. His reflection is being attacked by a computer generated character. The digital character is a kinetic monster, which tries to overlap users reflections in the projection and take it under it´s own control. When user moves and tries to avoid the visual invasion, he is engaged in a struggle to keep his own appearance in the projection. If the visual invasion is succesfull, the scramble suit takes control of the user´s image sucking and transforming it as part of itself. The user is encouraged to engage himself into a physical dialogue with his transformed counterpart and to attain his own image back. Scramble suit transforms user´s reflection into a media zombie, which remains wondering around the screen untill somebody gives it an identity again.

The installation deals with the vulnerability of our self-representation, which can be shattered in an instant by an outside force. The installation encourages people to fight for their own image and protect it from the cloning effect scramble suit does.

The origin of the name of the installation:
Scramble suit is the name of a three-dimensional, kinetic costume, which is used to hide the identity of undercover narcotic agents in Philip K. Dick´s novel A scanner darkly.

 

Programming : Sami Laakso
Computer vision consultant : Perttu Hämäläinen

Production support:
AVEK
Arts Council of Finland
Helsinki University of Technology/TML