Flowing Forces

Marking the second collaboration between Moment Factory and Art Windsor-Essex (AWE), Flowing Forces is a multimedia installation inspired by a collective vision to push the boundaries of traditional museographic codes by introducing innovative new ways of engaging with art.

The experience builds on Against the Current, a mobile-based interactive art walk in Windsor, Ontario’s downtown district.

Encouraged by AWE to “think outside the frame”, the experience draws upon the studio’s expertise in multimedia environments to create a modern, immersive take on the traditional art exhibit.

A gallery space fuses projection mapping, AI-generated content, mobile-based interactivity, and sound design to merge physical and digital worlds and connect all paintings through a new work of art.

Extending the possibilities of cultural and educational experiences, Flowing Forces invites visitors to engage with a curated selection of influential Canadian paintings through interactive media.

As visitors move through the experience, they use their mobile devices as “magic wands” to interact with graphic and sonic surprises that appear along the walls.

The final result is an original, digital ecosystem that reveals visual information on themes associated with each painting, as well as common threads that unite them.

The installation of this project presented several challenges that had to be addressed to ensure its successful execution. Firstly, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the creative process required careful calibration to achieve the desired outcome.

Secondly, projection mapping around real artworks posed a risk to their conservation, and light parameters had to be carefully managed to avoid damage. Integration and orchestration of multiple technologies, such as video projection mapping, real-time content rendered from game engines, sound, and web app interfaces for interactivity, was another hurdle that had to be tackled to create a seamless experience for users. Additionally, the project’s small team and budget posed constraints that had to be navigated.

Finally, this installation was part of a research and development production pipeline aimed at testing the feasibility of working with AI and advancing our understanding of web apps as interactive tools for a connected journey, making it all the more critical to address these challenges effectively.

This project stands out as a strong contender for recognition due to several key factors. Firstly, it offers a fresh and innovative approach to interacting and engaging with artworks, providing visitors with new and exciting ways to experience the pieces on display.

Additionally, it challenges and revisits classical exhibition codes, pushing boundaries and redefining what is possible in a museum setting. The beauty and artistic coherence of the video content and visual language created between the artworks are also noteworthy, as they respect the aesthetics of the pieces and enhance their impact on visitors.

Finally, the beautiful collaboration with the art institution that gave the project carte blanche is a testament to the success of the project, as it demonstrates the team’s ability to work collaboratively with others and deliver an exceptional outcome. Taken together, these factors make a compelling case for why this project should win, and why it represents an important contribution to the world of art and museums.