Sam Woolf's DPhil on Interactive Art looks at how the form,content and perception of art and media are influenced when information technology is used to introduce new aspects such as interactivity and generative processses. The work consists of a number of practical projects exploring different aspects of this effect in various media, from art installation and sculpture to film, as well as an analysis of works by others and an exploration of their implications. One project, 'The Sound Gallery', utilises ideas and techniques derived from the science of Artificial Life to create an interactive and adaptive installation artwork that attempts to generate aesthetically interesting sounds. A physical interface consisting of a number of custom built sonar sensors is used to track the positions of multiple participants. This information is fed to a genetic algorithm that evolves sounds using a FM synthesis system. For another project Sam collaborated with sculptor Tine Bech, creating two pieces, 'Boundless in Space', a pink sculptural form augmented with responsive robotics, and 'Echidna', a theremin-like sculpture that responds to proximity by emmiting and modifying sound. Sam is currently exploring how these ideas may relate to the medium of film and is working on new projects in this area.

Sam's D.Phil is funded by Equator, an ESPRC funded project that focuses on the integration of physical and digital interactions. His supervisors are Yvonne Rogers and Adrian Thompson.

[ Back to Projects page ]