DIGITALIS

An interactive sound and light installation commissioned by Destination NSW for the 2013 VIVID Light Festival.

DIGITALIS is conceived as a genetically modified breed of the toxix plant Digitalis Purpurea, and fuses unrelated objects to create a new, modified hybrid. Low-tech recyclable materials are used in unusual ways to create an interactive presence: crumpled plastic cups become flower bells with glowing LED stamen.

This franken-plant responds to ‘threats’ on its territory in the same way as a rattlesnake warns off predators by rattling its tail. Each plant stem is linked to a proximity sensor that is triggered when people approach it. The activated sensor triggers a motor that vibrates the plant, causing its fluorescent cups to clatter against one another. Simultaneously, the plant’s dimmable LED lights glow brighter.

Project Team: Rana Abboud (Design), Ewen Wright (Technical & Fabrication). Special Thanks to Timothy Uren, programmer extraordinaire; Anton Grimes, model-making legend; and Charles Fortin for the hero photos!