Wavelet: A Symphony of Light and Water by GeeksArt

Interactive Installation Mimics the Unpredictable Nature of Water

The inspiration for Wavelet stems from the universal childhood memories associated with water - be it swimming in the ocean, paddling in a pool, or playing with a hose pipe. Water's ability to take any shape and react immediately to any external force has been the driving force behind this design. The unpredictable nature of water intrigues people, and this installation aims to capture that fascination.

Wavelet's uniqueness lies in its design and technology. Each of the teardrop-shaped light bulbs is embedded with custom-made electronics that detect and react to changes in light and colour. The light bulbs are designed in an arc shape, giving the light wave a distinct direction. When any of the light bulbs detect a change in light or colour, it displays the colour accordingly, creating a ripple effect across the installation.

The realization of Wavelet was a technical feat. The key challenge was to achieve accurate colour recognition and light detection under natural light settings. The sensor detects the colour of the target light source and the wavelength of the ambient light. With the interference of the ambient light, the RGB reading could be inaccurate due to the overlapped wavelength. To extract the precise RGB value of the target light source, thousands of simulations were run to iterate the colour recognition algorithm.

Wavelet was exhibited at the WUJIE · International New Media & Art Exhibition in December 2017. The installation, weighing 300kg and measuring 11140 x 3000 x 1145 mm, is made of PMMA and Aluminum. The design team, GeeksArt, has successfully turned audiences into participants and co-creators, emphasizing the interconnectedness of people and the environment.

Winning the Silver A' Fine Arts and Art Installation Design Award in 2019, Wavelet has been recognized for its strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill. The award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. Wavelet, with its unique properties and interactive nature, truly embodies these qualities.