"Le retour en bateau," an energizing electro pop melody from french band Kid Francescoli, served as the backdrop for this live visuals project. Developed as part of the Architecture of Multimedia Solutions course at CENTRO, this work is a testament to the interdisciplinary application of knowledge. The project engaged an array of skills gathered across several semesters, including visual scripting, storyboarding, 3D design, animation, texturing, and adept use of TouchDesigner software. This comprehensive approach elevated my conceptual understanding of multimedia solutions, offering an interesting and interactive sensory experience.
This multimedia project emerged from a desire to consolidate and apply the varied knowledge and skills acquired over multiple semesters at CENTRO. The intention was to create a work that transcended the boundaries of the software, making full use of the various disciplines touched upon throughout the academic journey. From visual language and scripting to advanced 3D design and animation techniques, each aspect contributed to building a robust foundation for the development of this immersive multimedia project. The challenge was not just in the application, but also in integrating these disparate elements into a cohesive narrative.
The project's inspiration sprouted from a keen interest in contrasting narratives and how they can be expressed visually through the lens of sculptures. The diverging yet interwoven stories of the two sculptures served as the project's central theme. To emphasize these narratives, a temperature contrast-based color palette, predominantly featuring red and blue, was employed. The choice of Kid Francescoli's song, "Le retour en bateau," a fresh, electro pop track added a layer of audial inspiration, further fueling the creative energy of this project.
Research marked the beginning of this endeavor. The aim was to lend authenticity and visual complexity to the project, which led to the use of real 3D scans of sculptures—Zenobia in Chains, Napoléon 1, and a Plaster Cast of a section of the bas-relief of Bayon depicting a Naval Battle. Studying these sculptures provided an understanding of their stories and symbolism, which greatly influenced the visual narrative. This in-depth research helped ensure the resulting live visuals would truly resonate with the song's lyrical essence.
The creative process was multi-tiered and comprehensive. The initial stages involved creating a visual script and storyboard that outlined the direction and flow of the project. This was followed by the detailed work of 3D designing, texturing, and animation, each step building upon the last to develop the narrative visually. The project relied heavily on TouchDesigner software, a powerful tool in integrating diverse elements into a single, unified audio-reactive, and procedural visual performance.
The culmination of this process was a live visual experience that commanded attention. The contrasting color palette reflected the intertwined stories of the sculptures, creating a visually stunning spectacle that danced in time with the music. The interplay of audio-reactive and procedural visuals added a vibrant, dynamic layer that beautifully captured and projected the song's vibe, leading to a performance that was as captivating as it was visually intriguing. This project was a clear demonstration of the power and potential of multimedia solutions when various disciplines converge. More than a mere academic exercise, this project represented a unique intersection of technology, art, and music, creating an immersive, sensory experience. It stands as a reminder of how our ability to adapt and weave together our learned skills can reshape and redefine conventional multimedia presentations into something truly memorable and impactful.