NOVA : Stealth
a Squidsoup project
The Stealth Project developed as an offshoot of 'Ocean of Light', a research project exploring the creative possibilities of volumetric (or 3D) visualisation techniques, and nontactile 3-dimensional interaction.
It is essentially a game where two grids of triggers target and launch missiles across an abstracted 3D space at each other, attempting to avoid radar detection and annihilate the opposition. As well as a game the piece acts as a collaborative spatial musical instrument – each ‘missile’ emits sounds based on its relative position and the conditions it encounters along its trajectory.
Stealth uses the Baby NOVA as its physical centrepiece. NOVA is the world’s first full-colour real 3D LED (light emitting diodes) video screen, was conceived to visualize scientific data dynamically in three dimensions.
NOVA is modular and expandable – a NOVA system installed at Zurich’s main train measures 5 x 5 x 1m and consists of 25,000 points of light in 3D space.
The Stealth Project was first shown as part of the Cybersonica / French Connection Friday Late at the V&A on 31st october 2008. It was also shown at the Ormeau Baths Gallery in Belfast from 7 to 29 August 2009 as part of ISEA2009.
Stealth was produced by Squidsoup in collaboration with ETH Zurich and horao GmbH and based on research part funded by the Arts Institute at Bournemouth with additional support from Massey University, New Zealand.
Squidsoup is a digital arts group specialising in immersive interactive installations within physical 3D space. Their work combines sound, light, physical space and virtual worlds to produce immersive and emotive headspaces. They explore the modes and effects of interactivity, looking to make
digital experiences where meaningful and creative interaction can occur.
Contributors: Anthony Rowe, Gareth Bushell, Chris Bennewith
