The Power Paradox

Interactive Projection Mapping

Experiential, Installation 2021

MadMapper
Illustrator
Sound Editing

Team
Binna Lee and Sichun Zang

My Role
Collaborative tasks in
research, MadMapper calibration and alinement
Owned in its entirety conceptualization, art direction, line effect creation in Illustrator and its application on MadMapper, sound.

Tool
Woodwork, Crafting, MadMapper, Projector, Illustrator

Conceptual Projection Mapping

The Power Paradox is an audio-reactive projection-mapped installation inspired by the intoxicated and imbalanced powers in current society that result in numerous conflicts around us. This project aims to reilluminate the constant conflicts by questioning the essential roles and power of institutions and governments, what power is, and the influence of social connections on power

Prototype #1︎︎︎
Prototype #3︎︎︎
Echo #4︎︎︎

Recognitions:

Shortlisted | Red Dot Design Award 2023

'In The Spotlight' | Issue V Autumn 2023_P.34-37
Women United ART MAGAZINE

Power is “distributed through the social networks and lies on empowering others.”

“The Power Paradox” by Dacher Keltner

About

Our project explores power dynamics, centralization, decentralization, and their link to social influence. We've studied existing power imbalances such as women's rights, LGBTQ rights, and protests like 'Women, Life, Freedom' in Iran, the China Covid lockdown protest, and The New School TNS strike. These events stem from institutions losing their purpose, resulting in unfair treatment and brutality. This has made us question the true nature of power and the impact of social connections.

Purpose

In conclusion, "The Power Paradox" installation seeks to conceptually illustrate power dynamics, prompting the audience to question conventional hierarchies. We employ projection mapping to visually depict the flow and distribution of power within social networks. Light and dark lines symbolize the threads of power, revealing its path. Our goal is to inspire the audience to ponder the essence of power, our role for the redefined ultimate power, and promote its genuine expression through cooperation and mutual support among individuals, benefiting the entire network.

Meanings of Light Movements

The emergence of individuals and their voices

Communicating and distributing voices between individuals

Establishing and concentrating powers

Constant check and balance of imbalanced power

Installation Specification

MATERIALS

The installation consists of three suspended cubes, constructed with threads that reflect the interplay between homogeneity and heterogeneity in shape. As viewers move around the space, the cubes offer varying perspectives and depths, symbolizing the importance of embracing diverse voices and perspectives.

SPECTATOR & EXPERIENCES

By immersing audiences in this dynamic installation, we aim to create a thought-provoking experience that encourages deep contemplation and reflection on the vital role of inclusivity in our society.

Visitors will enter a darkened room, where they will be enveloped by cascading light animations that play across the interwoven threads and the cubes themselves. These stunning visuals are triggered by a soundscape generated from video footage, which is then processed using audio-visual reactive functions in Madmapper. As visitors move around the space, they will be able to observe the installation from different perspectives, allowing them to fully appreciate the beauty and complexity of the piece.

SOUNDS

Sketch by Binna Lee

The sound-reactive installation features a projection mapping element that responds to audio recordings of various protests and demonstrations, including those advocating for women's rights, LGBTQ equality, democracy in Iran, labor rights through the TNS Strike, and voices from a lockdown rally in China.