Moony

2004

Takehisa Mashimo (JP)
Satoshi Shibata (JP)
Akio Kamisato (JP)

Colorful butterflies seem to inhabit the 1st Upper Level of the Museum of the Future. If you try to catch them, they flutter away; if you hold your hand steady, though, they alight. But then it turns out they’re “only” virtual.

In “Moony,” water vapor serves as the interface between reality and virtuality. Butterflies are projected onto this vapor and behave just like their real counterparts flying around outdoors. The result is a novel perception of reality.

When a visitor goes to touch a butterfly perched on a column, it flies away. If he tries to catch it, it disappears from view. But when the visitor holds his hand steady in the water vapor, the butterflies flock about it and begin to play.

The water vapor is an interface as well as a projection surface. The artists also associate it with the steamy physical warmth of a living creature.

At the 2004 Prix Ars Electronica, Akio Kamisato, Satoshi Shibata and Takehisa Mashimo were awarded [the next idea] technology grant sponsored by voestalpine for their “Moony” concept.

Supported by Linz AG