Subterranean walk through

My idea for Subterranean was to create a creature environment, much like a coral reef, but hidden within a dark space. I imagined this space to be like Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne, an other worldly place below the earths surface safe from human exploitation. I used the Soap Factory basement, which until then, was only used for the Haunted Basement and Haunted Basement tours. I created inflatable coral-like creatures with rib cages so when the arduino controlled fans turned on an off, they appeared to be breathing. Lights dimmed with the breathing, causing the space to be completely pitch black then light again in rhythm with the sound scape.

Exhibition video

Northern Lights summary:

Art(ists) On the Verge (AOV) is an annual, intensive, mentor-based fellowship program for 5 Minnesota-based, emerging artists working experimentally at the intersection of art, technology, and digital culture with a focus on network-based practices that are interactive and/or participatory.

Artists: Christopher Houltberg, Sarah Julson, Mad King Thomas, Asia Ward, and Anthony Warnick

Location: Soap Factory, Minneapolis