Touch-me-not
This installation is inspired by the touch-me-not plant (Mimosa pudica). This unique plant is known for its sensitivity and the way it reacts to touch or heat by folding its leaves inward or closing them. I have translated this reaction into an art piece that visitors can interact with.
My intention with this installation is to bring awareness to individuals with Autism, who may experience a range of reactions to touch, from craving it to cringing from it. As stated by Marcel Duchamp, "Art is produced by a succession of individuals expressing themselves," and I hope that this artwork will encourage our society to learn more about Autism and offer more support.
This artwork was created using digital technology, allowing it to change and evolve as people engage with it. By utilizing elements of light and color, the audience will visually experience the plant shrinking, highlighting the social difficulties faced by those with Autism. As the audience interacts with the installation, I encourage them to be mindful of loud sounds and bright lights and to be kind and considerate of those who may have limited abilities or preferences with communication modes.
I hope this installation it sparks a deeper understanding and empathy for those with Autism.
Description
The outdoor artwork, located in the center of the park, offers a unique and interactive experience for its viewers.
As noted by Hanmo Zhou, technology serves as a new medium for not just creating art, but transforming traditional art into innovative, immersive events. This artwork allows visitors to influence its visuals as they touch and interact with its elements, some of which they can even create themselves.
The visuals change constantly throughout the day, adapting to the ambient conditions to provide a new experience every moment. During the day, the artwork's leaves offer shade to visitors while generating electricity through its solar panels. At night, the "touch-me-not" appearance transforms with LED lights. Interaction is activated through sensors on the leaves, allowing visitors to touch the leaves and watch as they recoil, shrink, and "shy." The flower core, equipped with LED lights, produces different effects in response to visitor interaction, conveying the mood of the plant. Different flower colors are programmed to produce different sounds, levels of force, and heat, with warm shades of red, orange, and yellow appearing on the flower. When the leaves fold and are dull, the flower turns gray.