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Through motion graphics based on data from the India State of Forest Report by the Forest Survey of India, Frondescence portrays the forest cover of Indian states.
The piece invites viewer interaction by blending their movements with the forest visualization, symbolizing human influence in protecting forest cover. Crafted using an iPad with the Circles app by Anton Heestand, and complemented by generative music "Bhairav" by Alex Bainter, the project utilises procedural approaches to offer a multisensory experience on the go.
Frondescence
A forest cover visualisation
2023
Interactive data-artwork
Links
Initial Video Supercut
RE—FEST Virtual Gallery
The concept of this piece emerged from the pressing concern of diminishing forest cover in India. It seeks to depict the intricate relationship between human involvement and forest conservation, shedding light on the challenges of effecting substantial change. The procedural and generative approaches were carefully chosen to infuse the artwork with vitality and dynamism, mimicking the growth and movement within a forest ecosystem. A couple of the initial visual explorations involved experimenting with various noise fields.
Process
The idea was initially conceptualised in the form of an edited video for easy consumption on the internet which can be found here. The piece was then exhibited in a virtual gallery by CultureHub.
While this mode of presentation can be easily accessible, I felt myself swaying with the movement of the artwork, trying to influence it. After careful examination of the tools, the natural evolution was to introduce interactivity through the camera.
The interactive piece was then presented at IndiaHCI Arts Track in November 2023 at UPES Dehradun, alongside a paper submission with the thesis - Exploring Portable Creativity and Interactive Data Visualization using the iPad.
Furthermore, the motion piece was showcased at Out of Office Exhibition on advertisement screens in central Oslo in late November 2023. Interactivity in public spaces can be explored in the future, contributing to an evolving data-artwork.
The piece was most recently featured at LaFla!me Showcase in New York City on September 21, 2024.
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