Biotelia

Biotelia was an immersive installation that questioned the relationship people have with nature through technology. In a digitized world, how do we engage with ecosystems that have predated us for centuries? What role do people take on in nature with our newfound power of technology?

Through responsive environments and interactive structures, Biotelia positioned the audience as a curious pollinator through paper-mache, insect-like creatures. The audience was able to control the creatures and observe as they "pollinated" the space through light trails. 

 

Participants were also able to place themselves into the pollinating landscape through a 3D printed flower utilizing motion capture technology, introducing them to a strange yet familiar landscape that echoed the patterns of our natural world.

 

As participants explore the space, they were invited to reflect on their relationship to each structure, their neighbors, and themselves.

My role was to build the large, stone-like structure that serves as a grounded cornerstone in the landscape. The outside is oddly rock-like with motion activated lights that invite the audience to come closer and peer into the windows. The inside is filled with foliage, inverting the concept of plants growing on earth. It prompts the viewer to look inside the stone-like structure to find the life growing within. 

 

This structure was built using chicken wire, paper mache, and zip ties. The overall exhibit utilized TouchDesigner and motion capture technology to track the movement of the participants and creatures.