The MirrorBox installation

Dr. Geska Helena Andersson

Performing Pictures, Interactive Institute,

Box 24081, 104 50 Stockholm, Sweden.

e-mail: geska@tii.se

Dr. Robert Brecevic

Performing Pictures, Interactive Institute,

Box 24081, 104 50 Stockholm, Sweden.

e-mail: robert.brecevic@tii.se

Dr. Marcella Giulia Lorenzi

E.S.G. (Evolutionary Systems Group), University of Calabria,

Via Ponte P. Bucci, Cubo 17b, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy.

and

BATS (Biblioteca Area Tecnico-Scientifica), University of Calabria,

Piazzale Chiodo, 2, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy.

e-mail: m.lorenzi@unical.it

Dr. Rit Mishra

Masters of Interaction Design, Interaction Design Institute Ivrea+Domus Academy

Via Watt 27, Milan, Italy.

e-mail: rit4you@gmail.com

Abstract

Performing Pictures (Robert Brecevic and Geska Helena Andersson with guest Rit Mishra and Marcella G. Lorenzi) will present The MirrorBox - a travelling container for and of self reflection and responsible scribblings on a temporary visit. The installation allows for the visitor to leave his or her inprints and personal interpretation of whatever in 20 seconds video clips. The best videos resulting from this installation will be also presented during GA2006.

1. The MirrorBox installation

In the end of August 2006 we (and 900 others!) took part in the grand opening of PUB in Stockholm and the new concept fashion department Awesome Rags!. In its art exhibition aobut the six senses, Performing Pictures (Robert Brecevic and Geska Helena Andersson with guest Rit Mishra) presented The MirrorBox for the first time. The best videos resulting from this installation will be also presented during GA2006.

2. Reflection and imprints

The idea behind the mirrorbox is to let visitors leave short messages and scribblings/images on a mirror, i.e writing/drawing over their own reflections.

The relationship between the ego (reflection) and what’s written down (intention) is imprinted on an invisible surface – an interface in the most direct meaning of the word - by a camera, hidden behind a spy glass mirror which is recording the visitors who chose to grapple with the MirrorBox.

The result is a series of short films, crated by the visitors themselves. As sound recordings are not part of the construction, the visual medium is used at full: facial expressions, gestures, figuration such as drawings and text creates what the visitor wishes to say - or not to reveal about oneself for that matter...

3. A mirror and a public scribble board

The act of drawing/writing, i.e to leave an imprint on something, is recorded and exhibited to the rest of the world in a specific (/unique) way: straight from the front. What people leave is a piece of film that captures something happening INBETWEEN, in the middle of the camera and its object - the depth of field/focus is on this invisible surface. The visual expression becomes very flat, in a positive way; an image capturing something in its two-dimensional expression.

The MirrorBox offers a free zone for creative scribblings. Visitors can use the mirror - which in fact is a scribbling board - to erase or build upon the previous work.

4. Evidencies

The film sequences becomes an on-site-documentation of a context where people are part of creating an atmosphere, an unique mood. By pressing the button, the visitor leaves a piece of visual evidence about him/herself as well as the site and its specific features.

5. Sender with a face

Unlike illegal expressions, such as scribblings in a public space, the user leaves her/himself as a pledge - a face is revealed and with this a responsibility follows for the message being delivered. Text and scribblings- otherwise faceless presentation, gives a certain safety to something that normally does not stand the scrutinizing gaze.

Website: http://www.tii.se/at/