Physical Computing Review

WALL OF EYES by Adrian Baynes

What is it?
This project is a interactive public artwork, comprising of 225 mannequin eyes, all moving to follow the viewer.(http://www.baynesandco.com/)

The size of the panel is approximately of 2x2 meters, which is my calculation from viewing the video that is attached to this review.

According to the creator "The eye is a powerful symbol, we respond to its most subtle movements.To use the eye, even in its glass form, is to work with something hard wired to the brain." (http://www.baynesandco.com/)




Baynes & Co. was established in 1981 by Adrian Baynes and the company is based in the Midlands, Baynes & Co. also offers a comprehensive service of interior and architectural design (http://www.baynesandco.com/)

Background

This project comprises the following characteristics:

• Interactive: Because it responds to the movement of the subject in front of the panel.
  
• Kinetic: The response is a "intelligent" motion manifested by the movement of each eye.
  
• Sculptured: Because it took several measurements to align the "eyes" and to give the final look to the panel.
  
• Robotics: Each eye is controlled by a "brain" that coordinates the full set of eyes, creating a harmonic motion.
  
• Interior and architectural design: The goal of the creator was to develop a piece of art.

( http:// interactivearchitecture.org/wall-of-eyes-adrian-baynes.html)




Technology
There is very few information regarding the technology used to develop this project, but the final data provides a general comprehension of how the panel was constructed.

Fabricated to be vandal resistant, the much larger final piece is intended to be permanently exhibited externally. The unit has a two axis controller, operating a counterbalanced plate via two 100w servos, triggered by 6 sensors (photoelectric sensors). (http://www.baynesandco.com/)

Why I chose this project?
From the beginning I found this project very powerful because of the reaction that it is capable to provide.

Wether this project does not fully comply with the sustainable matter, I find it very powerful because of the reaction that it is capable to create within each person that interacts with it. Even my mood when I look at the video was altered by creating different emotions within me.

As I researched on this project I found that many people also experienced different sensations. Some of the encountered reactions are described as follows.

March 10th, 2009 by Jonas Petersen
"As you pass by this installation by Adrian Baynes, you get the feeling that you’re being watched. No matter where you stand someone or something is monitoring you. Since the installation actually consists of 225 eyes that constantly follow your movements, this isn’t so strange.


Wall of Eyes is an interactive public artwork, which has recently been on display at the Kinetica Art Fair in London. The installation uses photoelectric sensors to detect movement of visitors. Custom-built software then adjusts the glass eyes to look straight at the visitor while she moves in front of the wall." (http://www.digitalexperience.dk/?cat=16)

Jennie's Blog
"The eyes follow you around as you move in front of the piece. It was interesting to see something which was a reasonably sized, (pretty much) flat, wall based piece, engaging its audience physically and playfully. I can’t find anything on the web about it, though, other than people blogging about it." (http://www.folly.co.uk/node/1368)

Steven's ramblings...
"Wall of Eyes is extremely disconcerting as 225 mannequin eyes follow your movement."
http://stevebob79.blogspot.com/2009/03/kinetica-art-fair.html

Emily Druiff
"This is a scary idea and not sure it should go more public"
http://www.artstream.org/artworks/view/178

Conclusion

At the end of my research I conclude that the most important thing for physical computing projects is to create a major impact on the people that will interact with them. (Dwellers)


Also it would be better if each project complies with the three bottom line theory thus, the aforementioned impact would be even bigger by creating a conscience and a reaction within the dwellers and therefore look for a universal benefit.


Video