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Saikat Biswas
Interaction Design, Research,
Art, and the iPhone.
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Since the beginning of time, shadows have always intrigued humanity. Drawing inspiration from the metaphors and properties of this timeless fascination, we developed “SAAYA” ( साया , meaning ‘shadow’ in Hindi), an interactive art installation at IDC School of Design, IIT Bombay. It is not only a product of our explorations but is also theoretically rooted in the concept of the ‘shadow self’ from analytical psychology. It serves as a representation of how past experiences influence the shaping of biases and preferences in present actions.
This influence is evident in the installation, as the actions taken at the beginning of the composition influence subsequent actions. Participants can create their own compositions of overlaying textures and values by using their bodies and their ‘shadows’. This is achieved by periodically capturing their silhouettes as they move at will in front of the canvas. It then simultaneously projects the participant’s silhouettes onto a screen, simulating a painting with
their shadows.
After we, as the designers, observed the participants interacting with it, we may conclude, that SAAYA provides a unique interactive experience, enabling evolving compositions, encouraging collaboration, introspection, creative exploration, and and self-reflection through the lens of the ‘Other’.
For queries and exhibition requests, write to - saikat.bsws5@gmail.com.
Exhibited at IndiaHCI 2024.