Heart Library: Biofeedback Mirror
Overview of interaction process, with detail of projected imagery from “The Heart Library: Biofeedback Mirror” as shown at UTS Gallery, 2008.
“Heart Library: Biofeedback Mirror” is the sensor-driven biofeedback component of “The Heart Library Project”. Participants interact with the work whilst resting on the backs on a bed like structure inside the interaction booth. Participants view a mirror like projection of themselves on the ceiling of this enclosure.
The reflected image ripples as if seen through a pool of water. After a minute or so, their image becomes partially obscured by a dense and multi-layered field of coloured spots. This field of dappled light changes in response to moment-to-moment changes in the participant’s heart rhythm. In the above example, colours are changing in response to the amount of heart rate variation, and pulsating in time with the participant’s heart beat.
Production Credits
George Poonkhin Khut: artwork concept, interaction design and sound Greg Turner: data analysis and data mapping systems David Morris-Oliveros: data visualisation engine and realtime digital video effects
Supporting Organisations & Individuals
“The Heart Library Project” has been generously supported by the following organisations and individuals: the Australian Government through the Australia Council (Visual Arts Board) its arts funding and advisory body; Xenian Living Light; UTS Gallery; UTS Creativity & Cognition Studios; Lizzie Muller & Kathy Cleland; Campbelltown Arts Centre; MIC Toi Rerehiko, Auckland; Lisa Colley and The Arts & Health Foundation; Bill & George Studio, Redfern, Naomi Derrick, Anastasia, Hosannah Heinrich, Bec Dean, Julianne Campbell, Khahien Hyunh and; Sam James.