The installation Cloud Drum

Interactive installation: video projection and surround audio generated live from computer (2008).

Note on the work

Cloud Drum is an is an interactive installation based on the vibrations of an idealised drum. Physically the installation consists of a webcam mounted over a light source, a video projector and a sound system. A visitor moves a hand under the webcam; the resulting shadow shape is used as a mallet to strike the virtual drum. The video display shows a cross-section of the resulting vibrations of the virtual drum, greatly slowed down. The audio is a kind of cross-section of the various modes making up the vibrations; each mode is only heard part of the time. Once struck, the virtual drum vibrates for several minutes, and is then ready to receive another impulse.

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.

Images


An image from the program	Installation view

There is a gallery with more images.

Video

A brief video (1'16") showing Cloud Drum being triggered.

Technical requirements

Room requirements

The installation has no special space requirements and can be installed in a small room; however the room needs to be only dimly lit because of the video projection. The installation emits sound, so sound spill must be considered. The sound is emitted only when a visitor interacts with the installation.

Equipment requirements

A video projector and a sound system. The program will accommodate any number of sound channels from 2 to 8. Surround (5.1) is good if available.
A table or plinth to support the construction with the webcam.
If I am not supplying equipment, a dual-core Intel Macintosh running OS X 10.5 (Leopard) and a box containing a webcam and a light source. Contact me for more information.

Showings, etc.

Installed at the 2008 Australasian Computer Music Conference, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, 10-12 July 2008.
Installed as a solo exhibition at the Trocadero Art Space, Footscray, Melbourne, 30 July - 16 August 2008, together with still prints.
A short performance using the installation was given at Undue Noise at ICU, Halford St, Castlemaine, Victoria, 20th September 2008.
Installed as part of the art show of the Time, Transcendence, Performance Conference, Monash University, 1-3 October 2009.