Masaki Fujihata calls many of his works “experiments”. To him, BEYOND PAGES is a piece of art. This is among others due to the well-defined framework conditions that—contrary to many of his other works—are not designed as an open process.
The viewer finds a situation that is invitingly oriented towards the moment of reception. The book as a bearer of information and a means of memory is, to Fujihata, important for the culture of writing and for the learning of linear reading. His interest in testing and using multimedia technologies allows him to question the qualities and limits of this medium.
The book as an interface still simulates the leafing through pages; however, the limitations induced by the two-dimensionality of the surface and the rigidness of the characters is overcome in an elegant manner.
Fujihata introduces moments of surprise the effects of which lie consequently in an extension of the usual quiet and silent existence of an illustrated text. Three-dimensional and animated elements appear on the pages, the pulse-giving gesture is linked to acoustic signals.
With BEYOND PAGES, Fujihata refers to the potential of technology and to the task of designing out of concentration and interest with fantasy what is appreciated as the content.
BEYOND PAGES was presented together with “Global Interior Project”, another creation by Masaki Fujihata, at the Art and Exhibitions Hall of the Federal Republic of Germany in Bonn from September 5 through November 2, 1997.
Credits:
Concept and realisation: Masaki Fujihata
Genre: interactive environment
Hardware:
Power Macintosh 8100/100 AV
2 LCD-projectors, powered speakers
Wacom Digitizer Tablet , wireless pen
chair, table, table lamp
Software: Macromedia-Director
(1995 Axel Wirths, http://art.235media.de/project/indexprojects.php?pid=7)