BREAKPOINT ( Real-Time Interaction )
Arduino
TouchDesigner
Projection Mapping

This interactive installation explores the delicate boundary between human intervention and the spirit of living beings. Constructed from reflective wire and brought to life through projection mapping. The work invites viewers into a darkened space to engage with a wire-structured horse. Through touch and tension, the piece mirrors the duality of our relationship with nature: gentle interaction rewards the viewer with a blossoming of color and life, while forceful control triggers a shift toward agitation and confrontation. Ultimately, the installation challenges the viewer’s role, transforming a passive observation into a moment of mutual scrutiny.







Overview
When the audience enters the space, the environment is shrouded in complete darkness.

The first thing they see is not the "horse" itself, but the light projected onto it. Due to the reflective nature of the wire, its form is difficult to recognize at first. These flickering glimmers of light spark curiosity, drawing the audience closer to observe and attempt to understand it. This stage is a reflection of the cautious wonder we felt when first encountering the living creatures of this world.

When a viewer reaches out to touch the horse’s body, the projection begins to shift. What were once mere monotone lines of light transform into a complete, vibrant palette. The longer the touch, the more the imagery evolves. This is an echo of how treating life with gentleness yields a response of kindness.

Alternatively, the viewer can choose to pull the reins hanging from the horse’s head. As the tension increases, the movement of the projection quickens, and the colors transition from a calm blue to a strained, anxious red. Once a certain threshold is reached, the horse’s eyes appears with an intense hue. In that moment, the audience shifts from "observing" to being "judged."



Fabrication







Mapping(TouchDesigner)



Interaction
Gentle Touch (Capacitive sensor)
When a viewer reaches out to touch the horse’s body, the projection begins to shift. What were once mere blue lines of light transform into a complete, vibrant palette. The longer the touch, the more imagery and color viewer will see. This is an echo of how treating life with gentleness yields a response of kindness.
Pull the reins (FSR)
As the tension increases, the movement of the projection quickens, and the colors transition from a calm blue to a strained, anxious red. Once a certain threshold is reached, the horse’s eyes appears with an intense hue. In that moment, the audience shifts from "observing" to being "judged."






 
Projects in progress

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CREDITS


Project by Emily (Jialu) Xu and @Channing(Qian)Mu

Special thanks to @ohitwasleo, @bolong_xi,  @_tofusenpai