The Waves
A Reinterpretation of The Waves (1931) by Virginia Woolf
Conceptual projection mapping of the experimental novel
The Waves is a meditative projection mapping experience that explores the structure and limits of the self, inspired by Virginia Woolf's experimental novel of the same name. The installation projects cascading waves of color to represent the fluidity and dynamism of our inner world. It begins with a silent, centered sense of individual consciousness — and as the waves form and crest, their movement is reflected in swirling patterns of light and color.
Experiential Installation – Projection Mapping
2022
Tool
TouchDesigner, MadMapper, After Effects, fabrics and wires
Team:
Binna Lee
Sichun Zang
My Role:
Creative ownership of the novel's reinterpretation through a psychological lens, including art direction and generative image design via TouchDesigner and installation from idea to excusion.
Psychological Metaphor
The self is a constellation of diverse personalities, each with its own strengths and vulnerabilities. While this dynamic whole strives for stability, it can be involuntarily disrupted when the external world becomes overwhelming. Reality fragments and grows discontinuous; the self struggles to perceive its surroundings clearly. Gradually overwhelmed by multiple realities, the waves pull it under — leading ultimately to surrender. The six colors in the installation represent the distinct personalities of the self, drawn from the six characters in Woolf's novel.
The self is a constellation of diverse personalities, each with its own strengths and vulnerabilities. While this dynamic whole strives for stability, it can be involuntarily disrupted when the external world becomes overwhelming. Reality fragments and grows discontinuous; the self struggles to perceive its surroundings clearly. Gradually overwhelmed by multiple realities, the waves pull it under — leading ultimately to surrender. The six colors in the installation represent the distinct personalities of the self, drawn from the six characters in Woolf's novel.
Adeline Virginia Woolf (1882–1941) was an English writer, widely regarded as one of the most important modernist authors of the 20th century and a pioneer of stream of consciousness as a narrative device.
Color transitions – a constellation of diverse personalities
Visual Art Layers
Layer 1_TouchDesigner by Binna Lee
Layer 2_Motion Graphics by Sichun Zhang