Experiments in Computer Vision
By Tyler Klein Longmire
Age Rating: 6+
Content Advisory
This interactive installation includes some flashing lights and may not be suitable for those with epilepsy or light sensitivities.
CoViz_2021 is an experiment in computer vision and real-time rendering of live motion-capture data. Using scavenged hardware, a beefy computer, custom CGI, and the free Unity game engine, the goal is to create a fun and accessible party favour where the users’ movements get mapped onto outlandish characters in a 3D, cartoon world.
Up to four people can dance together in front of the Kinect camera, and their movements are translated onto their cartoon avatars in real-time. They move when you move, dance how you dance. For a brief moment, you’re a digital puppeteer. It’s glitchy, it’s imprecise, but that’s all part of the fun.
Computer vision is fast becoming essential to our workflows and our daily lives. Once the domain of high-end VFX houses, it is now possible to hack together your own basic motion-capture system using consumer devices. Smart, AI-powered cameras are increasingly prevalent in our homes and workplaces, feeding identifying data into corporate databases. What if we used that tech for something silly instead? Does every photon of digital media need to be commodified and sold? This installation is an attempt to explore these questions, to vibe in the metaverse for a night, to make a silly thing for our friends.
Artist Website: www.tklongmire.com
HOW TO ENJOY CoViz_2021
Check back for more details on time windows to enjoy CoViz_2021! This installation will be displayed in partnership with our amazing friends at the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market (July 8) and Whyte Avenue Art Walk (July 9).
