Iris
Client: WNDR Museum
Role: Technical Director, Exhibit Design and Development
Iris is an immersive and participatory installation that captures the uniqueness of each museum visitor through their eyes. Using a DSLR camera setup, participants are invited to photograph their own iris. The captured image is processed and seamlessly integrated into a dynamic mosaic displayed on a large screen or projection.
At the center of the mosaic, each newly added iris becomes the focal point, surrounded by hundreds of others, forming a living archive of human diversity. The visuals respond in real time with undulating ripple effects emanating from the participant’s iris, creating an impression of digital touch and connection. These animations are generated through a custom application built in TouchDesigner, which manages live image intake, data mapping, and motion synthesis.
Visitors also receive a printed copy of their iris photo, a personal artifact from their interaction with the piece. The installation reflects themes of individuality, collective identity, and the aesthetics of the human eye.
When a visitor's iris is photographed, the image first appears at the center of the wall, giving them a moment to engage with and appreciate its unique details.
A custom application was developed in TouchDesigner to design mosaic patterns based on grayscale texture animations. The video below showcases a screen capture from the WNDR Iris exhibition in Boston, featuring a setup with three projected walls. The central display is actively manipulated in this demonstration.