The Manual Input Station

Concept: Golan Levin
Zachary Lieberman
Date: 2006

Shadow theater is a centuries-old tradition, especially in Southeast Asia. The “Manual Input Station” updates this ancient artform to the 21st century and uses it in an astounding digital media art project.

Software adds graphics and sounds to movements made near a pattern displayed via overhead projector. Projecting images of real objects and gestures and overlaying them with digital video projections produces an enchanting play of shadows in the realm of Augmented Reality. At the “Manual Input Station,” the two artists offer visitors the opportunity to get hands-on experience exploring the manifold forms of expression possible with gestures and finger movements.