A projected dog in a gallery window
faces the street. As you approach he will track you and attempt to decipher your intentions.
Surprise him and he'll bark, hold out your hand to show you mean well.
Forming a relationship he decides to be defensive, friendly, aggressive or indifferent.
Canine interaction epitomizes the first impression. SNIFF engages this encounter by bringing to attention ourselves,
how our motions are perceived, and how we read body language in the abstract.
Process
SNIFF uses a combination of a video tracking system (openFrameworks)
in communication with a gaming engine (Unity3d). The tracking system is
aware of the presence of people and communicates their positions, motion, and gestures to the artificial
intelligence engine responsible for the dog's behavior.
His mood and awareness become a product of interaction over time.
Exhibitions
Sniff @ Beall Center University of California Irvine
January 8th - May 7th 2010
SNIFF will be included in the Emergence exhibition
opening as part of Digital Arts and Culture '09
Sniff @ Idea Festival Louisville, Kentucky
Sep. 26th - October 31st 2009
Sniff @ Conflux New York City
Sep. 17th - 20th 2009
SNIFF was hosted by Not An Alternative
at The Change You Want To See gallery as part of the
city wide Conflux 2009 festival in New York.