Timeless Light

The first phase in the project was to research the location as it is a site-specific project. Gwanghwamun is an historic and symbolic landmark, representing Korea’s royal heritage and architectural grandeur. Projection mapping on such a prominent site can deepen public engagement with Korean history and culture. Located in a central area of Seoul, Gwanghwamun is highly visible and frequented by both locals and tourists. Projecting visuals on this prominent site ensures broad exposure and impact, making it an effective venue for public art, cultural events, and educational displays.

Understanding the location, we then had to decide on a way to visually interpret the space with animated light sequences. We used light as a way to explore consciousness. Projection mapping plays with perception, creating illusions that can alter our experience of reality. This reflects how consciousness interprets sensory input and constructs our understanding of the world.

The next phase in the project involved art direction and story boarding. We gathered visual references of patterns and optical illusions that represented concepts of change and impermanence to create style frames to refine the way in which we would express our ideas. We selected the sound to accompany the project and created animatics for each pass of the show.

The artwork was animated using a combination of tools. The animation assets were generated in After Effects and Cinema 4D. Premier Pro was used to do the final editing where the audio became a device to complement and enhance the visuals. Animations were reworked to get the timing and pacing correct and work with the overall flow of the piece. Rendering and export of the show on completion.

The artwork was the sent to the Soul Light Festival production team who augmented the artwork onto the surface of the building using mapping software tools.

Successful projection mapping design balances technical finesse with creative expression, leaving a lasting impact on the audience and achieving the intended artistic goals.

This includes a skilled alignment of the animations with architecture of the building. A well designed projection mapping installation will complement and enhance the architecture of the building that it is projected onto. In our project we took many visual cues from the physical form of the building to generate the animations. The visual content interacts harmoniously with the structure, respecting its lines, shapes, and features.

We also aspired to create a level of visual impact with this project. It was achieved from our use of colour, contrast, motion, and imagery to leave a lasting impression on the audience. A cleaver use of light and dark, shadows and highlights have been utilised to make the strong optical illusions.

Sound design and music are another vital component in this show. All our visuals were aligned with the audio elements creates a multi-sensory experience that amplifies the emotional impact of the design.

Large-scale site-specific public art illuminated with projection mapping has the unique ability to engage and unite communities by transforming shared spaces into cultural and artistic hubs. Public art is free and accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background, or socioeconomic status. It offers an opportunity for all individuals to engage with and appreciate art without any barriers which may be presented by other institutions. It is art presented in the public domain.

Our approach was to integrate the past with the present though the use of technology. We used projection mapping to enhance the already existing visual experience of the architecture by combining digital content with real-world environments. It makes the familiar look unfamiliar, causing us to stop and reconsider the place again.

Technology profoundly impacts society, continuously shaping and transforming it. Digital media, as a form of artistic expression, is particularly relevant for exploring the velocities of changes occurring in society. As technology plays a significant role in shaping humanity’s future, art and technology installations such as this serve as reflective markers of our current moment in history.

Large-scale site-specific public art illuminated with projection mapping has the unique ability to engage and unite communities by transforming shared spaces into cultural and artistic hubs. Public art is free and accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background, or socioeconomic status. It offers an opportunity for all individuals to engage with and appreciate art without any barriers which may be presented by other institutions. It is art presented in the public domain.

Our approach was to integrate the past with the present though the use of technology. We used projection mapping to enhance the already existing visual experience of the architecture by combining digital content with real-world environments. It makes the familiar look unfamiliar, causing us to stop and reconsider the place again.

Technology profoundly impacts society, continuously shaping and transforming it. Digital media, as a form of artistic expression, is particularly relevant for exploring the velocities of changes occurring in society. As technology plays a significant role in shaping humanity’s future, art and technology installations such as this serve as reflective markers of our current moment in history.

”Leave no trace” was the design premise for this installation. We thought that it should not leave any permanent impact on the environment or venue once it is dismantled. This concept is grounded in environmental responsibility and sustainability. The installation is designed to be temporary, ensuring that once it is removed, the location returns to its original state. Projecting animated light sequences leaves the original surface untouched and does not leave a trail of disposable artefacts used in an event for a festival.