Echoes of the Mind: A Journey Within is the first collaborative art exhibition with Digital Media & Fine Art programme. Digital Media students had the opportunity to craft digital art installations as fine art pieces, aiming to convey a powerful message of the theme, ‘memory’.
Video credit: Yap Wai Leong
Sincerest thanks to Bakat Mahasiswa for graciously funding this project and Mr. Kim Ng from Fine Art Department for providing the opportunity for the Digital Media students.
A big thanks to everyone who came to explore how memories, legacies, and life experiences can shape our self-conception, motivation, and perspectives through the creative and contemplative expressions of our students in this meaningful art exhibition of sculptures, installations, and video projections.
We were also extremely fortunate to have Abdul Shakir from Filamen to visit our exhibition. His visit meant a lot as he offered valuable feedback and advice to our students. He also shared in-depth knowledge about Digital Fine Art in Malaysia.
Special thanks to, Kim Ng, Kheng Wai Sei Hon, Xing Kai, Wai Leong & Mouz Chin for making this exhibition a successful one
Last September, Batch DDM211 launched their final year exhibition called Natroverse. This exhibition was all about preserving nature, honoring tradition, and celebrating culture. Each student poured their heart into designing and building installations that embodied this beautiful theme. The event took place from September 12 to 25, 2023, and the reception was unbelievable! Here’s a recap video of the exhibition.
The event turned out to be a huge success, drawing in not just fellow students and lecturers but also industry experts eager to witness the installations. What made it even more special was the presence of notable guests: YB Teresa Kok and YB Tuan Ng Sze Han honored the exhibition with their visit during the 28th Dasein Grand Opening, adding to the excitement and motivation of the participating students.
Natorverse was a collection of five remarkable installations.
Point Odyssey by Mouz Chin
This interactive installation aims to raise environmental awareness through immersive visual representations. It creates a surreal landscape and prompts reflection on our relationship with nature often overlooked despite its proximity. The beauty of the forest and nature are preserved through digitalisation by reconstructing the forest by using point clouds. The installation allows scenes within the landscape to be disrupted by people’s movements. The concept illustrates how the seemingly gentle touch of human hands has the potential to harm and destroy the natural environment, especially forests.
Kancil Award 2023 -Digital Craft – Interaction Design (Bronze)
Cultural Magician by Wee Jun Jie
Cultural Magician is an audiovisual installation that showcases the sounds of traditional musical instruments from different ethnic backgrounds. It is combined with sounds, foods, and technology. It is a celebration of culture, innovation, and the power of sensory engagement. It invites visitors to connect with the country’s heritage in a way that transcends traditional boundaries, creating an appreciation impression for Malaysia’s diverse sound patchwork.
Kancil Award 2023 – Best Use of Cultural Insights (Bronze)
Draw Fantasia by Tan Ivan
The concept is to encourage people to express their creativity by colouring in paper representations of five endangered Malaysian animals. This hands-on activity fosters an emotional connection, and when the drawings are scanned, the memory of the experience is enhanced
ClimaIslet by Low Zhong
Climaislet is an immersive floor projection mapping installation that incorporates captivating, visual elements, and interactive features, all seamlessly operated through a leap motion controller. The project envisions an island plagued by pollution and grappling with environmental challenges. It seeks to promote education, raise awareness and emphasise the detrimental impact of industrial pollution on the environment.
EcoTraits by Shawn Wong
EcoTraits offers an engaging experience through an interactive personality test. Users can take the test on a platform, answering questions to uncover their personality traits. Once they finish, a sequence of animation and laser scanning effect will reveale a flower that symbolises their unique personality through an animated presentation.
Each installation not only captured the essence of the theme but also sparked conversations about the importance of preserving our natural world and honoring our rich cultural heritage.
Natorverse wasn’t just an exhibition—it was a celebration of passion, creativity, and the profound connection between humanity and our environment. The impact of this showcase will undoubtedly linger, inspiring future students and visitors to continue exploring, cherishing, and protecting our planet and traditions.
In the realm of innovative and immersive experiences, “SnowSense” stands out as a remarkable interactive projection mapping project. Developed by batch DDM203 – OneShot Production, this extraordinary project not only captivates viewers but also aims to cultivate empathy for Arctic wildlife and raise awareness about the urgent climate crisis. Let’s delve into the captivating world of “SnowSense” and explore how it merges cutting-edge technology with environmental messaging to inspire action.
A Mesmerizing Arctic Landscape: “SnowSense” transports participants into an enchanting Arctic landscape using mesmerizing projection mapping techniques. As viewers enter the installation space, they embark on a journey that reveals both the awe-inspiring beauty and the delicate vulnerability of the Arctic ecosystem. “SnowSense” sheds light on the challenges faced by Arctic wildlife due to climate change and human impact. It paints a vivid picture of the struggles these creatures endure, eliciting an emotional connection and deepening the audience’s understanding of the urgency to address the climate crisis. By witnessing these struggles firsthand, viewers are prompted to reflect on the consequences of their choices and actions.
The interactive element of “SnowSense” plays a pivotal role in enhancing the emotional connection and understanding of the Arctic environment. Visitors can actively engage with the installation through touch-sensitive panels or motion sensors, triggering captivating visual and auditory responses. This interactive experience acts as a metaphor for the interconnectedness between humanity and the natural world. It invites viewers to contemplate their role in mitigating the climate crisis and instills a sense of responsibility.
By combining artistic expression, technology, and environmental messaging, “SnowSense” aims to inspire empathy and action. It serves as a powerful catalyst for viewers to reflect on their choices and consider the impact they have on the environment. The project urges individuals to embrace sustainability and compassion, encouraging steps towards a more sustainable future.
The Creative Process:
Watch the behind-the-scenes process here, showcasing the development of the ‘Snowsense’ from start to finish.
Behind the scenes, “SnowSense” utilises a combination of cutting-edge technologies. Projection mapping brings the Arctic landscape to life, while Arduino controllers enable precise animation and activation. 3D assets and interactions are crafted using Unity, while animation is designed in Adobe After Effects, C4D and Autodesk Maya. This fusion of technology and creativity results in an immersive experience that leaves a lasting impact on its audience.
“SnowSense” is not just an art installation; it’s a call to action. By immersing viewers in the captivating world of the Arctic, it aims to foster empathy, raise awareness, and ignite a sense of urgency to combat the climate crisis. As we reflect on the consequences of our choices, “SnowSense” challenges us to embrace sustainability and become guardians of our fragile planet. Let us heed this call, for a more compassionate and sustainable future lies within our grasp.
Kancil Award 2023 – Best Idea for Social Good (Bronze)
In a stunning display of creativity and technological prowess, a group of students recently organized an unforgettable event called “Geisha Hut Night” for their final project showcase. Held at the captivating Hut Sake Bar in Lalaport, this event aimed to bring exposure to the restaurant while pushing the boundaries of traditional dining experiences. Drawing inspiration from the omakase restaurant’s environment, Japanese culture, and cyberpunk aesthetics, the students seamlessly blended modernity with tradition, creating an evening that was both visually captivating and immensely enjoyable.
One of the highlights of the Geisha Hut Night was the mesmerizing projection mapping. The students expertly employed this cutting-edge technology to showcase the rich culture of Japan and highlight the branding of the restaurant. The fusion of traditional elements with cyberpunk aesthetics added a futuristic touch that perfectly complemented the venue’s ambiance. The meticulously designed motion graphics interacted seamlessly with the captivating wall art, immersing guests in a visual spectacle that transcended the boundaries of traditional restaurant events.
A Futuristic Dining Experience Taking the dining experience to the next level, the students introduced an interactive AR menu. By scanning markers on their tickets, guests were transported into a world where three-dimensional images came to life, accompanied by subtle animations and relevant text. This innovative approach not only added an element of excitement to the event but also served as a seamless connection to the overall theme. The AR menu provided a glimpse into the future of dining, where technology and culinary artistry merged harmoniously.
The Wall of Guest Comments Another standout feature of Geisha Hut Night was the interactive comment section. By scanning QR codes on their tables, guests were directed to a website where they could share their thoughts and feedback. These comments then magically appeared on the projected wall, creating a captivating display of real-time engagement. This interactive element further amplified the sense of community and allowed guests to actively participate in shaping the event. It was a testament to the students’ commitment to creating an inclusive and immersive experience for everyone present.
Omakase restaurants are not confined to traditional interiors. By combining innovative technology, modern performances, and a lively atmosphere, the event shattered preconceived notions and showcased a new side to the dining experience. It emphasized that enjoying a meal can be an adventure filled with excitement and entertainment. Geisha Hut Night offered a glimpse into a future where dining is not just about savoring exquisite cuisine but also about creating lasting memories in a dynamic and immersive setting.
Conclusion: The Geisha Hut Night event organized by these talented students left a lasting impression on all who attended. Through their mastery of projection mapping, interactive AR menus, and engaging wall comments, they successfully brought exposure to Hut Sake Bar while redefining the boundaries of traditional dining experiences. This fusion of tradition and cyberpunk innovation served as a reminder that dining can be an extraordinary journey, where technology and artistry blend seamlessly to create an unforgettable and immersive experience. The students’ remarkable final project showcased their creativity, technical skills, and vision for the future of dining, leaving us eagerly awaiting their next endeavor.
In a world constantly evolving with technological advancements, artist Hwa Shee Huei has embarked on a mesmerizing artistic journey, exploring the gradual assimilation of the digital realm into our everyday lives. Through a unique combination of physical and virtual platforms, Huei’s solo art exhibition takes viewers on a captivating three-year exploration of her own adaptation to the digital world. With a focus on colorful neon aesthetics and three distinct modes of visual experience, her art posters transcend traditional boundaries and offer a thought-provoking glimpse into the hidden coexistence of the digital and physical domains.
Neon-Inspired Environments Stepping into Hwa Shee Huei’s art exhibition is like immersing oneself in a vibrant dreamscape. Inspired by the allure of colorful neon lights, the artist has meticulously designed environments that stimulate the senses and create an atmosphere of intrigue. The exhibition space radiates with vivid hues, casting a warm glow that beckons viewers to explore the captivating fusion of art and technology.
An Artistic Evolution At the heart of the exhibition are three distinctive art posters, each offering a unique perspective on the assimilation of art into the digital world. These posters are not merely static displays but rather gateways to a multi-dimensional experience, enabling viewers to delve deeper into the artist’s vision.
Normal Eye Viewing: At first glance, the art posters appear as masterful compositions that can be appreciated in their own right. Huei’s exceptional talent shines through in her intricate use of colors, shapes, and textures, drawing viewers in and inviting them to explore the deeper layers of her artwork.
UV Light Glow: As viewers approach the posters with curiosity, a new dimension unfolds before their eyes. Under UV light, the neon-inspired elements on the posters come to life, radiating with a captivating luminosity. This transformative effect symbolizes the hidden presence of the digital realm, which subtly permeates our lives, waiting to be discovered.
AR Interactive Scan Poster: The pinnacle of Huei’s artistic exploration lies in the integration of augmented reality (AR) technology. By using a smartphone or tablet to scan the posters, viewers are transported into a realm where the physical and digital merge seamlessly. Virtual elements come alive, dancing alongside the tangible art, creating an immersive experience that challenges the boundaries between reality and the digital landscape.
Unveiling the Digital Coexistence Through her art exhibition, Hwa Shee Huei eloquently demonstrates how the digital world coexists with our physical reality, often unbeknownst to us. With each poster and interactive experience, she invites viewers to reflect on the gradual influence technology has on our daily lives, blurring the lines between the tangible and the virtual.
Hwa Shee Huei’s solo art exhibition is an enthralling testament to the transformative power of technology and its integration into the realm of art. Her neon-inspired environments, combined with the trilogy of art posters, provide a unique and multi-dimensional experience for visitors. By seamlessly blending the physical and digital worlds, Huei highlights the unnoticed presence of the digital realm and encourages us to embrace the evolving landscape of our digital age. Through her masterful artistry, Huei inspires viewers to pause and ponder the influence of the digital revolution on our perception of art and reality.
