 Dial-A-Style - An Algorithmic Portrait Studio is an interactive video installation that allows visitors to create a digital self portrait in a variety of painterly styles.
The visitor starts by spinning the Dial-A-Style wheel, similar to the prize wheels seen at carnivals.
There are four major styles represented on the wheel:
- Impressionism - in the style of Van Gogh
- Cubism - in the style of Picasso and Braque
- Pointillism - in the style of Chuck Close
- Anime - the Japanese comic style
When the wheel stops, optical detectors send a signal to the computer, which triggers the webcam to take a picture of the visitor. The computer then runs the selected algorithm to create the stylized painting, which is displayed on a projected screen.
Note that the wheel can stop in between neighboring styles, which results in a hybrid styled portrait.
If the visitor likes the portrait, he or she click on the upload button, which will make the portrait available to be downloaded on www.robgon.com.
In creating an algorithmic self portraits, visitors will gain an insight into the perspective of visionary artists who are now very familiar to us. Through experimentation, viewers will come to understand and appreciate how various styles of painting impact the emotional connection to the artwork.
Several OpenSource projects were used in the making of this video installation:I would like to thank Jennifer Lim for her help with this installation. |