INKREAS

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HummingBirds

Web Experience

HummingBirds traces the flight path of my first meaningful romantic venture, recorded through poetic journals which manifested into an immersive installation, web experience, and delightful correlative materials.
click here to try it out

Installation

The experience starts with a hummingbird toy that the participant carries and embodies throughout the flight path. A series of floating tags guide their bodies gradually through the poetry that spirals around towards the center pillar. A warm floral scent and gentle bittersweet music enchant the space, shielding the participants’ attention from the noise and chaos of a show filled with other installations.
A handful of strangers cried over my shoulder while many shot looks of empathy at me amidst processing the story. This was the first time I received such a powerful and validating response from an audience.

This installation inspired a  new aim for my creative process.  Success for my art means a delicate balance between connecting to people through accessible design choices, but also conveying my sincere and unique perspective in its arrangement.
By now, the tired hummingbird flew through both joy and turbulence. At last reaching a destination -- A pillar sheltering a tendril of illuminated blossoms misted with the scent of Ylang.

When the participants finally slip into the pillar, they  stand within a space that further separates them from the noise of the outside world-- A gift, and sanctuary to catch a breath. They finally nourish the hummingbird with closure and clarity then emerge reborn.

Physical Materials

Ideally, I want my work to present 3 layers of experience. First, an original in-person installation that aims for boundless immersion. Second, an accessible web version that viewers can return to for a source of comfort. As shown here, physical materials that people can purchase as reminders of the resonant story.
Hummingbird Day, Columbine Night is a flip book that contains two core symbols of the project. The beginning and end of the story.

This book shows the detail and craft of each animation frame. So far, I have hand- crafted 25 copies of this book.

Philosophy

When designing an experience, I start by identifying the five core ideas and immutable aspects of the project. Every decision that follows should then align with the core story. A cohesive experience consists of three realms: environment, body, and concept. The environment involves how the audience perceives information through their senses. Their body position while experiencing the work shapes their connection with it and influences their emotions, as the brain and body are interconnected. Ultimately, people are drawn to engage with a concept for two reasons: self-understanding or improved navigation in the world. To me, immersive means simple, yet principled choices and careful attention to avoiding confusion.