The :Tuvalu Visualization Project: is a photographic networked performance intended to acquire knowledge regarding the status of the island, to improve worldwide interest and awareness, and to receive feedback from the rest of the planet. Another goal relates to concern over the possibility that Tuvalu may one day be covered underwater via potential rising sea levels due to global warming.

:On the main site: there are a few goals to be accomplished: first, it seeks to record 10,000 Tuvaluans, in order to further facilitate the project. Next, it works to acquire a vast repository of GPS photography on the island. Finally, :Photosynth: shows the results. This project is certainly a massive undertaking but is truly an intriguing work of art in the realm of photography and perhaps as importantly, in innovation. Google Earth is a fascinating and useful tool, and utilizing it in this way is a great and progressive endeavor.

Absence / Presence

In this project we are exploring the visceral effect of superimposing one image where we would commonly expect another. I've chosen the following themes, I hope they will be appreciated, and of some interest!

Note: The following links are reduced in size, for the full size images see bottom links on this post.

Series 1) Empathy

• Entry #1 "Work"
• Entry #2 "Play"
• Entry #3 "Relaxation"
  

Series 2) Dissonance

• Entry #1 "Air"
• Entry #2 "Water"
• Entry #3 "Earth"
  

Series 3) Extras

• These images were not sized correctly, so are not intended as part of the assignment series per se, however, since they represent some hours of effort, I've uploaded them as a "bonus" - please do not consider these when evaluating the assignment's requirements. Thanks!

• Extra #1 "Thrill of the Hunt" Part 1, Part 2
• Extra #2 "Team Spirit" Part 1, Part 2
• Extra #3 "Shock" Part 1, Part 2
• Extra #4 "Nimbus" Part 1, Part 2
  

Disclaimer: This project in NO WAY is intended to impugn the hardships or deep and honest feelings of anyone. The choice of subject matter was intended to elicit an emotional reaction in the viewer based on the connotation of the contrasting images, and not as any form of ideological statement.

Full Size Links: e1, e2, e3, d1, d2, d3

Donkijote.org

At :this link:, there exists a remarkable account of a man and his ass. No, really! Cristian "P.ankh" Bettini has developed a system to use GPS technology (combined with a mobile web-enabled computer and a camera) to create a lasting digital memorial of Asturias. This is a knowledge memorial in many respects, and is an interesting venture into the possibilities available when the organic is paired with our latest tools.



For more information, check out http://www.donkijote.org/ - This idea is quite a blast from the past, it's a sharp contrast between the "packmule" approach and the high-tech buzz on its back, but I thought this might be an especially relevant choice given my subject matter for Absence/Presence. In my opinion, the idea of blending this technological approach with a desire to create a cultural heritage is worth some degree of respectful recognition. Perhaps these videos will become a popular documentary one day!

Human-Computer Interaction Design is a fascinating upcoming field involving the systematic design of our computational tools to better facilitate human efficiency. One such example of this field can be found in the realm of Augmented Reality, where the virtual and physical worlds collide. At this :link: on Turbulence, one Christian Jacquemin has developed a system blending architecture, computer graphics, and computer science in order to accomplish goals ranging from seafaring digital performances to concerts that can be played between a real organ and its digital twin.

This is an amazing field to me. It reminds me of the Jetsons, but in such a way that it is not whimsical, but practical, solving real-world problems, even if those problems are simply finding a better way to enjoy a performance. I believe that Human-Computer Interaction as a field is set to grow tremendously in the next few years and that these types of projects are the beginnings of a critical cultural revolution toward a holistic blend of technology and "real life," rather than the common way we interpret "reality" and "computer" today.

WoW - Emergent Media Phenomenon

In :this link:, Turbulence exposits MMO players' artistic works which are derived from the Warcraft universe, specifically World of Warcraft. The article notes that gaming is an activity that encompasses a large population, and that it holds the potentiality for great impact on society.

:Here:, you can see more detail about what works of art made the exhibit. It's not suprising at all that a world as expansive as WoW can act as an influence for great visual design. I find some of the artwork (the sculpture above, in particular) to be rather astonishingly crafted. In my opinion, this is a great business link between marketing, and allowing developers to interact with their playerbase on a first-person level.