Digital Installation

The Mirrors

Work by

Huiqun Xu

Published in

Mar 2023

Supervised by

Ryan Blackwell

This installation project is a collaborative effort with Ibeyi, a musical duo consisting of French-Cuban twin sisters Lisa-Kaindé Diaz and Naomi Diaz. The project aims to create an interactive installation for Ibeyi’s music album, using elements such as mirrors and tree trunks.

Concept

The installation artwork consists of two mirrors, which are used to create optical illusions and reflections, thereby enhancing the work’s duality and cultural identity. These mirrors are placed on both sides of the dead tree trunk, presenting the audience’s own images from different angles, giving the audience a vague sense of identity.

The device is equipped with several pedals, allowing the audience to interact with the device by stepping on the pedals, affecting the light, shadow, and sound effects in the work, echoing elements such as repetition and chorus in Ibeyi’s music. Each different pedal controls a different part or instrument, allowing the audience to perform with Ibeyi, allowing the audience to emotionally connect with the installation and Ibeyi’s work.

LED light strips are used to highlight the duality theme of the installation artwork. They are placed around the dry tree trunks and on the ground, creating a rhythmic feel that changes with the rhythm of the music and the interaction of the audience. The light and shadow effect of the LED light strips echoes the rough surface of the dry tree trunks, forming a strong visual contrast and creating a dual visual perception.

The audiences stands in the area where the pedals are distributed, in front of the main installation area, and the audience will be able to interact with the main part of the installation by stepping on the pedals in this area.

Bibliography

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Designer Shoes & heels (no date) Kat Maconie. Available at: https://katmaconie.com/ (Accessed: March 14, 2023).

Elliot, A.J., Fairchild, M.D. and Franklin, A. (2018) Handbook of Color Psychology. Cambridge, United Kingdom; New York, NY, USA; Port Melbourne,

VIC, Australia; New Delhi, India; Singapore: Cambridge University Press.

Goonetilleke, R.S. (2013) The science of Footwear. Boca Raton, FL: Taylor & Francis.

Heel worldwide (no date) Heel. Available at: https://www.heel.com/en/home.html (Accessed: March 14, 2023)

Kat Maconie Women Shoes heels (no date) Poshmark. Available at: https://poshmark.com/brand/Kat%20Maconie-Women-Shoes-Heels (Accessed: March 14, 2023).

New arrivals (no date) Kat Maconie. Available at: https://katmaconie.com/collections/new-arrivals (Accessed: March 14, 2023).

Osgood, V. (1929) Color psychology. Los Angeles: J.F. Rowny.

Ou, L.-C. (2015) “Color emotion and color harmony,” Handbook of Color Psychology, pp. 401–418. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9781107337930.020.

“Test method for heel-attaching strength of womens shoes” (no date). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1520/f0694-02e01.

Todd, J. (1867) Woman’s rights. Boston: Lee and Shepard.

Wittenberg, S. and Simon WittenbergSenior Editorial ContributorBorn in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (2020) Exclusive interview with Kat Maconie, shoe designer and entrepreneur, Luxurious Magazine. Available at: https://www.luxuriousmagazine.com/kat-maconie-shoe-designer/ (Accessed: March 14, 2023).Shiota, C. (2015). The Key in the Hand. [Installation]. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, DC.

Penone, G. (2014). Tree of Life. [Sculpture]. Château de Versailles, Versailles, France.

Kielnhofer, M. (2017). Glowing Light Ball Bench. [Installation]. Ars Electronica Center, Linz, Austria.

Raw Design. (2016). Prismatica. [Installation]. Light Festival, Montreal, QC, Canada.

Ethical Statement

This project, whether presented as a work, video, or research article, is committed to upholding the principles of diversity, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity. All individuals and communities are represented with respect, recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives and the value that different backgrounds bring to scholarly work. Care is taken to approach any references to racial, ethnic, cultural, gender, or other identities with sensitivity, avoiding misrepresentation, stereotyping, or bias.

In adherence to ethical research standards, this project seeks to promote equity and inclusivity, avoiding harm or exclusionary practices. Respect for the rights and identities of all groups is fundamental, and efforts are made to foster a respectful and inclusive environment throughout the work. Feedback from individuals and communities represented is valued, with any concerns regarding portrayal or use of content welcomed for consideration.

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The Mirrors

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Bibliography

Heninn.com

Huiqun Xu's Portfolio

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