The interactive installation Capricho is formed by three statues, each supported by its corresponding table-dais and, in the background, a projection screen. Three images are projected onto the screen, their movement, size and position controlled by spectators. Control is exercised through these anthropomorphic structures, tactile busts which act as the interface. This scenario, basically visual in nature, enables sophisticated interaction to take place through touch, voice and according to the number of users.
An interplay of virtual characters, attitudes and scenarios takes place on the screen, generating a variety of situations. The figures, which have from one to three legs, represent innocence, voluptuousness and authority respectively. As in Alfabeto, the spectator activates an event but, in this case, Capricho postulates a more complex kind of dramatic situation which requires the intervention of more than one user. The virtual characters in the installation, which emanate from the touch of their physical alter egos, are actors playing a specific role and with certain specific resources. The navigational diagram of the installation proposes a series of variable situations which change according to the intervention of the users.
Capricho's imagery is a further development of the 2D animation resources featuring in earlier works: mutations of bodies reconstructed into impossible forms and given strange textures. With this piece, I continue my investigation of interaction and its resources with regard to situation and sequence.

 
Capricho 

Use: A photoelectric sensor recognises the entry of spectators into the room and activates the screen. Each of the busts has a presence detector or sensor, and when someone comes up to them, a virtual representation is activated on the screen. Each busts is also fitted with eight touch sensors. When someone touches these, loop computer movies are activated, a different one according to which button the spectator touches and whether he or she uses one or two hands.
The installation is multi-user in design: if there are two or three users, the parameters become more complex.

Elements of the installation:
-Three polyester busts, approximately 70 cm high and 50 cm across.
-Three wooden table-daises supporting the busts, two measuring 52 x 60 cm and the third 52 x 60 x 75 cm.
-In the interior of the sculptures, eight optic fibre sensors sensitive to distance and touch.
-Each of the busts is installed with a vibration system, microphone, loudspeaker and presence sensor.
-Rear projection screen, 300 x 230 cm, situated at the height allowed by the characteristics of the room.
-Dataprojector.
-Centrally-controlled lighting.
-PC computer with graphic and sound cards.

EPIFANIA / Origen