Big Yellow Blobs and the Box That Buzzes is an immersive interactive artwork that transforms its environment into a surreal playground of light, sound, and technology. Supported by the 2024 Light Up the North Shine Artist Program, this piece invites participants into a world of wonder and play, blurring the lines between audience and artwork.

At its core is The Box That Buzzes, an interactive back-projected animation where visitors become part of the artwork through the Bee Maker, a whimsical photo booth. Guests look into a flower-shaped camera, press a button, and their photo is captured and added to a queue of faces that appear on animated bees within the projection.

The animation was crafted using layered 2D and 3D techniques, brought to life with Isadora—a media processing tool for real-time control of video, audio, and interactive elements—and custom Python programming. The Python script manages facial recognition, photo editing, and image cueing, while Isadora integrates these components with the musical score, creating a seamless and dynamic experience.

Accompanying this centerpiece are two peep boards, where participants peer into windows to encounter humorous narration and alerts triggered by proximity sensors, encouraging playful exploration. Additionally, The Klipper, a large illuminated bird with a digital eye, follows visitors, blending whimsy with a subtle commentary on interaction and observation.

This dynamic piece celebrates the importance of wonder, play, and communal experience. By merging cutting-edge technologies with humor and interactivity, Big Yellow Blobs and the Box That Buzzes transforms its audience into integral participants in a surreal and ever-changing world.

 

 

Photos by Robin Zahler, courtesy of Light Up Lancaster