Video Artist – John Fillwalk and I have a virtual sonic art installation going up in Second Life at the Man a hatta Gallery

It’s a fanciful re-interpretation of a real life resonant pipe installation by Michael Pounds. I was able to help Michael in that with some programming and sensor implementation.

This virtual piece reacts visually and aurally to your avatar’s location, changing color, sound, light, etc. Sonically, each pillar plays rhythmic pulses that blend together into an aggregate texture. Combined with the 3d localization of sound in Second Life, the effect is pretty intense. I think it turned out well.

We’ve been able to show both installations side by side a number of times creating an interesting Second Life art imitates art imitates life paradigm. I’m working on a couple of projects that blur things a bit further where Second life participants create real life actions which are fed back to the second life viewers. It’s an interesting paradigm and I’m still trying to decide what aspects of it are poignant and how it could be used in a meaningful way.

Until then, here’s a shot of the installation. Be forewarned though that the sound and reactive nature of virtually traveling around in it makes the installation much cooler. So if you’re interested, head over to the gallery and check it out.