By Tomek Jarolim, an interactive light display, 2012

Close Your Eyes is an interactive light display for an individual spectator. It operates only when the eyes of the spectator are closed. It is not meant to be seen but to be felt. The light source, controlled by a generative program, is triggered whenever the spectator closes their eyes. This enables a more profoundly sensorial and personal perception on the part of the viewer. The light sequence changes every time the light is triggered again. The light becomes more intense the longer the spectator keeps their eyes shut. The audience never knows in advance what it is going to see. The light captures the viewer’s attention, but once they are in the installation, it is only by closing their eyes that their can actually “see” what this digital Dreamachine presents them with. The purpose of this display is to invite the spectator to cease being a mere viewer. In this situation they are no longer a beholder but the generator of their own images, thoughts, etc. To address a viewer with closed eyes implies paying closer attention to their sensations. It implies a new approach to interactivity, which transcends the simple interaction with a machine.

Credits

Light advice: Annie Leuridan
Light programming: Cyrille Henry