Embodied Embrace
Connections being felt and seen
An Interactive Art Installation
Visuals Created using:
Adobe Photoshop
&
MidJourney
Introduction: Our interactions with others help define who we are. From family to friendships, and on a larger scale, communities and society shape our self-image, values, beliefs, and behaviors. Relationships allow us to discover or refine our identity, whether in contrast to or in alignment with those around us.
Embodied Embrace explores how our inner experiences respond to the presence and influence of others. This installation illustrates how each relationship subtly reshapes our inner world, often unintentionally, simply through shared presence and space.
This concept began as an exploration of interactions between two individuals, examining how their encounters influence each other's sense of self. I wanted to visually represent the unseen forces that shape us through relationships, exploring the bond between our connections to the external world and our individuality. By making viewers observers of these influences—on themselves and others—I aim to encourage reflection on how external movements interact with internal transformations of self.
The cube in this installation represents both the boundaries and possibilities of human experience. To me, it is a container for identity—a structure that holds our inner world while revealing the fine line between isolation and connection, between the self we protect and the self we reveal. Its transparent surfaces convey the dynamic interplay between being exposed (open to others or the external world) and being separate (distinct or self-contained).
Embodied Embrace is an interactive installation designed to explore the intricate relationship between individuality and connection. At its core is a transparent cube suspended at chest height, inviting viewers to engage through touch, proximity, and sound. This dynamic interaction reveals how unseen forces—relationships, emotions, and external stimuli—shape our internal movements and transformations.
Each element within the cube—the intricate connections between its parts—symbolizes the ongoing process of transformation. Together, they capture how our identities are shaped by the invisible forces of relationships, memories, and environments that define us.
As the concept developed, my focus shifted to representing a single individual through the cube, with viewers becoming the other interactive element. I envisioned the cube standing alone, its walls allowing viewers to observe and influence the exchanges between the person (the cube) and their surroundings, making each interaction visible and tangible.
Elements of Embodied Embrace:
The Structure: The cube itself, represents the individual, encapsulating the boundaries that define and separate us. Its transparent walls symbolize the fine line between openness and isolation. The cube provides a defined space where interactions occur, serving as a container for exploring the dynamics between internal and external influences.
The Core: The core is positioned at the center and symbolizes the essence of self and its continual transformation. It represents our identity as shaped by connections and external forces. The core is held within the cube by elastic strings connected to its eight corners, allowing dynamic movement in all directions. When a viewer touches a cube wall, the core visibly shifts toward the point of contact, creating a clear and responsive connection. The core is suspended within the cube, dynamically responding to viewers’ interactions.
The Strings: The strings represent the complex web of internal influences—thoughts, emotions, and perceptions—that guide and shape our actions. They also symbolize external connections that pull and ground us. They hold the core within the cube’s center, allowing it to move fluidly in response to touch and proximity, creating a visible connection between the viewer’s actions and the core’s reactions.
Interaction Design: The installation features a transparent cube measuring 120 cm (48") on each side, made from polycarbonate sheets for durability and clarity. The cube is suspended at chest height using clear cables, creating a sense of weightlessness and inviting direct engagement from viewers.
At the center of the cube, a 40 cm (16") core represents the essence of self. The core is suspended by eight elastic nylon strings connected to the cube’s corners. These slightly stretchable strings allow dynamic movement in all directions while keeping the core balanced.
Embodied Embrace responds to viewers in three dynamic ways:
Proximity sensors: embedded within the core, detect how close a viewer is and guide it to move gently toward them, reflecting the pull of connection and the influence of presence on our sense of self. symbolizing the pull of connection and influence.
Touch sensors: embedded in the cube walls detect where viewers touch, translating their interaction into motion. Touching different walls causes the core to move in corresponding directions, emphasizing how external influences shape the self.
Sound sensors: respond to auditory cues, with sudden loud sounds like clapping causing the core to 'jump' in place, as if startled, while softer, sustained sounds draw it in with slow, deliberate movements, showing attraction.
The purpose of Embodied Embrace is to invite viewers to reflect on the unseen forces that shape who we are. Through its dynamic interaction with proximity, touch, and sound, the installation transforms abstract concepts—such as connection, individuality, and transformation—into a tangible experience. By engaging with the cube and its core, viewers become both participants and observers, exploring how their presence, actions, and environment influence not only the installation but also their understanding of self.
At its heart, it offers a moment of introspection, encouraging viewers to recognize the profound impact of relationships, emotions, and external stimuli on their identity and transformation. This piece is a space to pause, engage, and reflect on the interconnected nature of human experience.