VERTIGO 2.0 MASCHINE | 2023 - NOW
Is envisioned as a sculptural and interactive media art installation. A central aim of the project is to enable viewers to perceive their own perceptions, particularly in terms of visual aspects like perspective, motion, light refraction, and reflection. The structure of the installation integrates the audience into the artwork, making them a part of it. This integration encourages experimentation and, through the use of distorted reflections, promotes a humorous self-examination.
For over six years, engaging with perspective correction has been a part of my artistic practice. In 'In Passing II (2017)', perspective correction was manually applied, photo by photo, to create a stop-motion animation. This technique was further developed in 'Fensterbrett (2019)', where perspective correction was semi-automated through tracking points attached to a double-glazed window. This allowed for filming of the object and subsequent processing in After Effects. In 'Refraction, Reflection & Movement (2021)', perspective correction was introduced into virtual space and fully automated for the first time. The OFFAxis projection, combined with a Kinect V2 (motion and depth camera), enabled a true-to-perspective view of the projection surface, despite movement.
With my planned work 'Vertigo 2.0 Machine', I aim to merge my findings from both virtual and real realms to achieve a new dimension in this field. The machine comprises a stepper motor-driven linear system capable of moving horizontally along the X-axis and vertically along the Y-axis. At the head of the Y-axis is a camera facing along the X-axis in portrait orientation. The camera can rotate on the Z-axis, allowing it to look up and down. At the end of the X-axis and at the mid-height of the Y-axis, a large glass lens (diameter: 25 cm) is positioned. The camera focuses on this lens. As the camera moves on the linear system, the camera’s pan and zoom control are adjusted based on its position, ensuring the lens appears centrally and consistently sized in the frame regardless of the camera's position. The perspective distortion caused by the height difference is corrected by a custom-developed software. Behind the lens, a round mirror is placed, capturing the events not only in front of but also behind the camera. The live feed from the camera is transmitted to a large display through NDI technology and patch cables connected to a PC. The camera, through the portion of the frame not obscured by the lens and mirror, captures its own image on the display, creating a feedback loop intended to amplify the resulting effects.
