Aura/Aurora

Aura/Aurora is the most recent phase of an ongoing art & science project presenting an interactive interpretation of the Polar Lights. The project is based on Aurora Borealis and Australis, the magnificent, mysterious and dynamic natural spectacle that has retained a near-mythical status in most cultures over centuries. The dazzling geo-specific phenomenon, typically observed in the Polar Regions is not only a brilliant natural spectacle but it also makes dramatically visible the invisible world of electromagnetic activities.

Aura/Aurora is a real–time audio-visual installation combining visuals, sonic and on-line internet-linked components. It has been argued that an artwork can hardly compete with the actual experience of a natural phenomenon, therefore we attempted an alternative approach by developing an installation with a range of components aiming to engage active audience participation. A series of large-scale visual images are also included in the exhibition. These digital prints mounted on aluminum represent experimental installation elements in form of abstract enigmatic fields of color. In addition documentation of the project development process is also presented.

Aura/Aurora the interactive light-installation (LED RGBs) is ideally situated in a distinct dark space. On entering this space, little is visible in the dimmed light; the spectacle of the moving lights is initiated through the physical movement of the visitor by motion sensors that trigger the lights and sound by tracking the visitor’s movements.

There is only some, but significant scientific evidence about the sounds of the Aurora. Resonating ambience design should support the installation by creating the audiosphere as an artistic interpretation of the natural phenomenon. A collage of nature sources in electronic transformation along with synthesizer-generated sounds should enhance the visitors’ senses to the big picture in eyes and ears.

The ultimate aim is to create a seductive and intense experience for the visitor to evoke a real or imaginary experience of the Aurora.

The on-line component of the project presents descriptions of the Polar lights, submitted by SMS or web-posting in various languages which passed via a database to a web accessible flash movie. The visual aesthetic of an animated word presentation (contributed by site visitors) evokes the sublime experience of viewing the colorful and rhythmic undulations of the Aurora. By organizing descriptive keywords site allows a comparison of how the Aurora is perceived across diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

The flash movie can be viewed locally on a projected screen, or globally using a web browser. This visualization, whether experienced as an onsite projected installation or a web-based animation, encourages an interactive intercultural exploration of the Aurora.

http://auroradreams.net