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Underlying Issue
Graffiti is most often viewed as a crime. It is the name for images or lettering scratched, painted or marked in any manner on property not owned by the person doing the marking. In many cases, it is unsightly and unwanted. Despite the social stigmatism attached to graffiti and the graffitist, this type of self expression has thrived since ancient times. Examples of graffiti have been found in ruins of ancient Greece and Rome.[1] The graffiti artists in modern times uses this medium to express their views on social issues in the public forum. Because certain people are drawn to expressing themselves in this way (and because many more may have the urge yet refrain) this is a very attractive method for the Venice Project Center to engage the youth of Venice.
Concept
The main idea for this installation is to allow the viewer to create the work of art himself. By embedding an LED light pen into a spray can, a viewer interacts with the installation by virtually spray painting graffiti messages. But what is the point of such an installation and how does it relate to the Venice Project Center? The answer is that it would allow all of the other installations throughout the city to be coordinated. By connecting a series of interactive white boards that are placed at each installation around Venice, viewers can post their views on the issue being presented. This will appeal especially to youth and engage them in the discussion.
Design
Interactive whiteboards have been around for a few years. It is a digital device used for visual presentations wherever regular whiteboards would be used. A positional system uses sensors around the perimeter to determine the position of the “marker” or stylus. Infrared or lasers reflect off the stylus to triangulate its position. A tactile surface uses the pressure of the stylus to determine its position. Analog Resistive Interactive Whiteboards use two sets of resistive materials on their surface. These two surfaces generate electricity upon contact and the board can then determine the position of the stylus. Electromagnetic Interactive Whiteboards are commonly in use today. A special marker with a coil imbedded in the tip is used for writing and the board has an array of wires that generate electrical signals on contact. This system makes it possible for one to rest his/her wrist or hand upon the whiteboard without creating a false signal.[2] What is written on the whiteboard can be stored on the connected computer for later use.
Implementation and Interactive Possibilities
This idea revolves around interactivity with the viewer, who would create the work themselves. This can be done using a setup similar to the interactive whiteboard using the Wii remote as shown at Johnny Lee's website. The light pens could be replaced by or used along with spray paint cans. The cans would have the LED in or near the top, and the normal spray button would be the power button. These would be an intuitive way to write on the wall. Adding more remotes to the wall along with more computers or at least more software can increase the resolution, area, or both of the wall. If the area increases, additional projectors would also be needed.
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