Synthetic Unity
Motion / Projection
Monumental audiovisual installation explores the transformative synthesis of light, sound, and dimensional space.
https://vimeo.com/21117639
Synthetic Unity was a large-scale projection mapping installation that integrated sophisticated motion graphics, live musical performance, and programmed illumination across carefully designed three-dimensional geometric forms. The conceptual foundation of the project explored the fundamental relationship between audiovisual design elements and their capacity to transform spatial perception and environmental experience.
The installation served as an experiential demonstration of the hypothesis that while light, sound, and spatial dimensions remain constant variables in environmental design, their specific arrangement and interaction can generate virtually unlimited experiential outcomes. The project showcased how these core elements, when precisely orchestrated, could fundamentally alter perception and create new spatial realities.
Presented at the Minneapolis College of Art & Design’s Whittier Gallery, the installation commanded an impressive scale of 27 feet in width by 10 feet in height, creating an immersive environmental experience. The collaborative project united the visual design expertise of Lauren Thorson and myself, both Master of Design candidates at MCAD, with original musical composition by Chester Yourczek from Progressive Media Group at McNally Smith College of Music. This interdisciplinary collaboration enabled a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between visual design, spatial construction, and compositional sound.
Synthetic Unity 2.0
Festival
Innovative light installation captivates audiences during inaugural dusk-to-dawn urban art festival.
In June 2011, our project was selected through a competitive process to participate in the inaugural Northern Spark Festival in Minneapolis—a prestigious new Minnesota cultural initiative modeled after the international nuit blanche or “white night” festival concept. This immersive, dusk-to-dawn participatory arts event transformed the Mississippi riverfront and surrounding urban areas into a dynamic canvas for contemporary artistic expression.
Our installation contributed to this significant cultural milestone, joining a carefully curated selection of works from regional and national artists. The participatory nature of the festival created unique opportunities for public engagement with our work throughout the nighttime hours, allowing for distinctive viewing experiences as natural light conditions evolved from sunset through dawn.
The documentation presented here captures select moments from our installation during this landmark evening, showcasing the interaction between our work, the festival environment, and public engagement. These images represent key aspects of the installation’s presence within the broader context of this innovative cultural platform that has since become a defining element of Minneapolis’ contemporary art landscape.