Motion book 'Hirngespinster' (loosely translated from German as "dream weaver") is an interactive installation developed by German graphic design student Tristan Hohne as a
graduation project for the University of Applied Sciences, Dortmund.
It's comprised of a traditional paper book,
an LED table, a camera and computer, and most importantly, a ring
device – the 'dream catcher' – that connects things as a sort of
gateway from analogue to digital.
Illustrated characters within the book act as the center of each visual, with dotted patterns close by on the page. By placing the book onto the LED table, and then the dream catcher ring over the patterns, viewers are able to unlock animation on the screen.
The basic apparatus is driven by open source software Reactivision, modified by technical collaborator Stephan Hillebrandt. A camera mounted above the book recognizes each distinct pattern, triggered only through the ring, and the software then calls the corresponding animation for display on the LED.
From a narrative standpoint, Hirngespinster is all about experiencing living phantasies (the “ph” kind, more akin to the unconscious symbolism than the typical “f” based daydream variety).
“I especially wanted to show the process of imagination,” explains Hohne. “Recognizing that phantasy is always related to reality, I started to think of mixing media. Print and animation seemed to be the perfect match, since a book is a real tangible object, and digital animations could represent the living phantasy.”
For something that was bitten off as an academic experiment, it certainly opens eyes as to the possibilities of a literal connection between old and new narrative channels – even flirting with new storytelling opportunities for existing technology like Microsoft Surface.
“I would say it is an experiment … but I think that this concept has much potential for exhibitions … Right now I am trying to expand the idea of this book/animation hybrid. Creating ambiences instead of concrete shapes. Giving a normal book a much more intense mood without disturbing someone’s imagination while reading it.”
To learn more about Hirngespinster and Tristan Hohne’s other work, visit www.trisigner.de.
