On a dark computerscreen the viewer sees a threedimensional sphere with a surface showing a closeup view of human skin. By lifting up the mouse and moving the ball underneath with the thumb the movement of the virtual object can be manipulated.
"Impalpability" is an attempt to define the relationship between digital image and interface. The regular use of computers makes us think, react and distinguish increasingly through the interface. To give a "virtual sensation" Fujuhata chooses detailed views of his own skin which he lays as a surface around the computer generated sphere. The movement of the thumb is visible as a flexible visual field on the screen. The impression of the object is abstract and sensual at the same time and in a new disturbing manner it poses the question what it is you actually touch: the mouse or the image? The image or the human skin?
Genre:
Interactive Work on CD-Rom
Published in: artintact 5
Credits:
Concept and realisation: Masaki Fujihata
Sound: Kiyoshi Furukawa
Additional programming: Volker Kuchelmeister
Production: ZKM | Institut für Bildmedien
published in → artintact 5 [1999]
Software:
Macromedia Director
Apple QuickTime
Department:
Institut für Bildmedien
Presentations:
»surrogate«, ZKM | Karlsruhe [D], 1998