Project Presentation
A screen divides a dark, empty and quiet room in half. Images projected on it imitate a mirror. On first approach the visitor sees his faithful reflection. In the middle of room space an interactive carpet lays. As one steps on it, a signal is sent to computer to record the visitor for 30 seconds. At the end of this period, instead of own lone reflection, one begins to see his image surrounded by previous visitors.
Sometimes one finds oneself a witness to a conversation or a quarrel. Sometimes one hears whispers.
This installation reacts to visitor’s presence on the interactive carpet by superimposing various images, scenes and sounds generated in a random manner. The exhibition behavior evolves during the duration of the show; it modifies according to the database of all the people who visited the exposition.
Technical description:
3 x 4 meters retro projection screen / Camera DV or mini DV / Mac G4 or G5 Computer (1.5 GHz or higher CPU) / 10 meters VGA cable (RCA connectors) / 2 800 watts theatrical spotlights / Video Projector (from 2000 lumen) / Amplifier with two speakers
Alexandra Dementieva’s main interests focus on social psychology and perception and their application in multimedia interactive installations. Her video work integrates different elements including behavioral psychology, developing narrative using a ‘subjective camera’.
Her interactive installation projects attempt to widen the mind’s potential for perception using different production materials: computers, video projections, soundtracks, slides, photography, etc. By making certain historical, cultural and political allusions, her exhibition locations create the frame within which the idea develops. The projects explore the spectator’s depths of perceptual experience and the interaction of the individual spectator with the exhibition as well as with other visitors. The subject of an installation or its production method becomes less important to her than the mind of the user. Thus the latter becomes the center of the project or the main actor in the performance.
