“When You Wish Upon A Swamp” is an interactive digital oracle originally installed at the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park in Miami, Florida. The art was shown over a four-day period to attendees from all over the world.
IDEA: In a world of uncertainties, sometimes we need a little wisdom or nudge in the right direction from a semi-curmudgeonly swamp monster. Our goal is to add a little guidance and laughter to your journey.
The art was placed at a busy juncture. Day and night, participants were lured to the piece by glowing lights and mysterious bubbling sounds omitting from the installation.
Because our oracle was located within a swamp and lay adjacent to a wastewater treatment center, our oracle character exuded a gritty, slightly wacky, tough love persona with a matching raspy voice textured by centuries of exposure to pollutants. Instead of a traditional wishing well, we repurposed an oil drum to serve as our oracle’s dwelling to further play with this theme.
DEFAULT ANIMATION/BUTTON PROMPTS
An animated default screen invited the audience to select one of three types of answers via corresponding arcade buttons to summon the swamp monster: Yes/No Answers, Animal Life Coach (swamp animal traits to embody for a more successful day), and Serious Advice (swampafied inspirational quotes and idioms).
Using Raspberry Pi and Python, each button was programmed to select a category of videos which then played at random.
PRODUCTION + INSTALLATION
Role: Co-Art Director/Designer
Additional skills used: soldering, photography, computer programming
Creative collaboration with Tatiana Grey.
Additional skills used: soldering, photography, computer programming
Creative collaboration with Tatiana Grey.
Special thanks: Manny, Ry, VA, Ariel, Picnic, and the Love Burn Heartery Team