PROTEUS 4.1

Interacting on the networked planet
esc medien kunst labor Proteus 4.0
Within the Proteus series, 4.1 version evolved its mode of interaction towards a web-based application using gaze-tracking in personal mobile devices and its architectural counterpart as a modular and non-site-specific installation embodying interactions happening fluently across the digital infrastructure in a single physical space. As a direct reference to post-war architectural megastructures and the concept of ‘proteinic architecture’ from Yona Friedman in the 70's last century, the installation mirrors the internet’s distributed nature by spatial articulations of scattered digital screens and mirrors in a modular manner. Reflections on rippled metal panels strengthen the immersive character of the installation and the golden material used drives us back to the greek mythology of Proteus and his ability to reveal precious secrets and truths upon capturing. The installation takes the shape of a shimmering ocean pouring out in the gallery space as a recall of internet digital infrastructure and a natural habitat of our prophetic deity. The interactive visuals are based on the constantly changing behaviour of digitized ferrofluid, which conveys the idea of uncertainty in human interactions. Observing a slow-paced evolution of ferropatterns encourages AI-powered mindfulness to counter the digital age’s attention economy characterized by distraction and information overload.
 

Kooperationen/Team: 

Proteus was developed as part of the intelligent.museum project at the ZKM | Centre for Art and Media Karlsruhe and the Deutsches Museum, and supported by EMAP, European Media Art Platform. The further development of Proteus 4.0 took place with the support of Ars Electronica (Festival 2024) and esc medien kunst labor.