Matthias London

Matthias London

A/V programming & Projection Mapping

Bridging the Void: Projection Mapping the Dance of Space to Life on Earth

Synopsis:

“Bridging the Void” was an enchanting audio-visual projection mapping installation showcased at the Zugvögel Festival in July 2024. Located in the lush forests near Köln, Zugvögel is a community-driven music festival that emphasizes our primordial connection to nature through sustainable, wood-crafted art and environmental consciousness.

Concept and Goal:

“Bridging the Void” immersed festival attendees in a serene journey from the silent expanses of space to the vibrant life of Earth. Using vvvv for visual programming and MadMapper for projection mapping, the installation presented abstract and geometric visuals that celebrated Earth’s biodiversity and our universal interconnectedness.

Installation Highlights:

  • Narrative Arc: The installation transitioned from the vast cosmos with dark hues and slow movements to Earth’s dynamic, colorful landscapes, evoking feelings of peace, tranquility, and awe.
  • Collaborative ‘Living Wall’: Partnering with Johannes Guerreiro, the wall evolved daily with community artwork. Each night, my projections gracefully overlaid this dynamic canvas, symbolizing collective creativity and environmental harmony.
  • Conceptual Inspiration: Influenced by Octavia Butler’s “Earthseed” concept from Parable of the Sower and Becky Chambers’ reference to “Gaianism” in The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, the installation explored cosmic exploration and our deep-rooted bond with Earth.

Technical Aspects:

  • Visual Programming: vvvv
  • Projection Mapping: MadMapper
  • Setup: I built a 3-meter tower on-site to position the projectors and equipment, a first-time experience that pushed me to embrace hands-on craftsmanship. Adapting to the dynamic festival environment was challenging but rewarding, allowing me to spontaneously integrate Johannes Guerreiro’s ‘living wall’ into the projection narrative. Instead of relying solely on my visuals, I created a simple color-changing gradient that highlighted the collaborative process, enhancing the living wall’s ever-changing beauty.

Role:
Director of Projection Mapping and Visual Programming

Credits:

 

Personal Reflections:

Working on “Bridging the Void” was a transformative experience. Building the 3-meter tower from scratch pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me the value of hands-on craftsmanship. Adapting to the ever-changing festival environment required quick thinking and creativity, especially when integrating Johannes Guerreiro’s ‘living wall’ into the projection. Watching the community contribute to the wall during the day and seeing my projections bring it to life at night was profoundly fulfilling. It was a beautiful reminder of the power of collaboration and the deep connections we share with both each other and our natural world.

Dance of the elements: Earth

The ‘Dance of the Elements’ installation was showcased at the SAE Institute on 20.05.2024. My contribution focused on the element of Earth. I visually programmed and mapped this segment, trying to capture Earth’s essence of stability and fertility through dynamic forms and a palette of leafy colors. The serene, ambient soundscape by Florist enhances the organic aesthetic, evoking a deep connection to nature’s grounding forces. It was my intention to invite viewers into a world where visual art meets natural harmony, designed to bring relief and satisfaction.

Credits: