Monday, December 19, 2011

Critique 3- content development

Basically I got 2 ideas for my installation
1) The wall projection is blank, the graphic will only growing by detect the audience movement.
2) It is an Interactive wall painting projection, audience can interact with it by using spray can



Saturday, December 10, 2011

Critique 3- Content Acquisition - Research

Content acquisition - Digital Graffiti

Digital graffiti is the act of creating graffiti art using a computer vision system. Various groups and companies have pioneered digital graffiti since technology advances made it possible.




Graffiti demands your attention. Sprayed onto walls, street furniture or public transport, it's an unusually physical form of communication. Unlike the advertising billboards with which it shares the streets, graffiti is usually applied without permission, a distinctly unlicensed medium = art crime


The work of street artists draws sharply contrasting reactions: some see it as vandalism, while others take a more benevolent view that acknowledges the creativity of its practitioners. To the latter, sizeable group, graffiti is cool. Despite the efforts of some media-savvy companies to muscle in and use street art to sell product, the scene has successfully remained independent, with its own culture and language.
That independence makes the street art movement a natural for the internet, which so effectively enables individuals to pool their expertise for a common cause. Through the net, the spirit of graffiti has taken flight to turn a patchwork of grass-roots projects into an international movement.
"Computer technology has been instrumental in perpetuating graffiti and street art," says legendary graffiti photographer Martha Cooper, whose images in Subway Art, alongside those by Henry Chalfant, did much to legitimise graffiti art. "There are hundreds of graffiti sites where writers can share their photos. There are sites where you can select spray paint colours and simulate painting, and others which will create your name in different graffiti styles
So my Idea is tend to create an installation Wall which can play with paint with a full range of colours and fills. It’s like real graffiti without the mess. The other way to allows you to do vandalized!!!


Monday, November 21, 2011

Idea Development#2

 Hardware

For my installation, I am thinking to using Wii remote.
A main feature of the Wii Remote is its motion sensing capability, which allows the user to interact with and manipulate items on screen via gesture recognition and pointing through the use of accelerometer and optical sensor technology.




Projector


All video projectors use a very bright light to project the image, and most modern ones can correct any curves, blurriness, and other inconsistencies through manual settings. 
Video projectors are widely used for many applications, such as project the video to the wall and audience can interact the application through the wall projection. Of course that's will be software for detection. 


Web Cam

A webcam is a video camera that feeds its images in real time to a computer or computer network, often via USB, ethernet, or Wi-Fi.



Software

Webcam Zone Trigger

Connect a webcam to your PC and have it react to many kinds of motion. Webcam Zone Trigger is the first multi-purpose motion detection software. This means that motion detection isn't just for security anymore.
Simply place Hot Spots anywhere on the video image, move them around and resize them. They detect motion within this area, and when triggered, they perform the actions that you have selected.

Adobe Flash
Adobe After Effect

-To create motion graphic, add effect
-create the flash video or motion graphic by using the flash and then edit or add some effect by using after effect.


Monday, November 14, 2011

Idea Development

What I'm doing?
Urban Graffiti Interactive wall


Vandalism may be perpetrated whenever the opportunity exists. It often occurs on school property after hours, in public parks after dark and on vacant premises. Vandals usually do their mischief when they think that no one will see them and/or when no one is likely to stop them. It releases toxic chemicals into the environment when sprayed. This includes aerosol which leads to global warming, by prevent heat from exiting the earth's atmosphere. It is also aesthetically unpleasing to a lot of people.
If somehow create graffiti that is does not have these terrible chemicals and used as positive art than it would be good, but how?

So my idea is to create an interactive graffiti wall.

Example?
Digital Graffiti Wall for Converse




My idea is to combine the function of these 2 interactive art pieces,


-Basically, this is an installation are which detect audience movement to growing the graffiti template, and then audience can play coloring on the interactive wall by using the spray can. 
-The technical part apply that using a projector, wii remote and PC.
-About the software part, I am thinking to use After effect and flash to do the growing animation template.
-I will focus on the graphic part which is my favor. The graphic on screen can be various type of graffiti templates.


The aim and objectives of this installation are:
- To reduce and prevent Vandalism
- to experience the fun of graffiti but does not cause any crime
-to protect the environment

Precedence studies

Here are some videos for my reference in FYP


This is an interactive projection wall shown seamlessly by four DLP projectors on a 45x12 rear projection screen. The concept was simple enough: 45 feet of grass swaying in a virtual breeze. Visitors to the installation can make the grass sway just by walking in front of it. Additionally, visitors can input text from either of the two kiosks positioned in front of the screen. This text appears in the projection attached to its own grass blade and sways along with the rest of the scene.


using some fairly sophisticated programming and tracking hardware, peoples' movements are recorded and translated into an animated mixed-media mural that reflects the creative license afforded by the new Adobe CS3 software package. From left to right, the mural evolves from simplicty to complexity as more elements are introduced.



In an effort to establish new platforms for public art and performance, the multimedia duo SWEATSHOPPE has developed a new interactive technology that enables them to explore the relationship between video, mark making and architecture.

Research- Graffiti Art & Vandalism

What is Graffiti? 

The latest Wordpower Dictionarysays graffiti is “unauthorized writing or drawing on a surface in a public place.” It includes the horrible scribble you see painted or scrawled on fences, bridges, in subways, on the sides of buildings, houses, and elsewhere (also called tagging). Most of it is garbage that looks like 5-year-olds have done it. But some of it is colorful and might look artistic if it hadn't destroyed someone's property.
And that is the problem with graffiti — it is “unauthorized”, as the dictionary says, and it destroys someone's property. It is a crime, like stealing, because it steals the property owner's right to have their own property look clean and nice. And it makes repairs costly for the property owner; graffiti scribblers never offer to pay the cost of repairing their destruction, which may cost thousands of dollars.

Vandalism
Vandalism such as graffiti is usually done by the younger generation as they are influenced by the more experienced artists as mentioned, therefore they usually get in trouble by writing swear words which little kids can see and doing graffiti on walls, where they are not allowed to or have permission to do it. The stereotype image of a graffiti artist is no good nicks that do it just to annoy and disrupt the community.

Graffiti Vandalism is a Crime!




Graffiti Vandalism?? 
by using.....
Spray paint, paint markers, shoe polish dauders, drill bits, sandpaper, grinding stones, brillo pads, rocks, permanent markers, stickers (slap tagging), glass etching solvents.

Why Graffiti Matters?
Graffiti is an ongoing and significant issue our community.

It has a detrimental effect on the image and well-being of the city.
Graffiti vandalism negatively impacts on feelings of safety, property values and the well-being of our city. If it is not removed soon after it appears, it can become a magnet for more.
Graffiti vandalism or tagging is the illegal or unauthorised defacing of property (such as buildings, walls, fences or vehicles), with drawings, symbols or words. It is different from urban art, which refers to drawings, symbols or words on property, done with the property owner's consent.
Taggers see their tags as ownership of a space. Taggers are persistent, so certain areas tend to be repeatedly hit.
The council is committed to the eradication of graffiti vandalism in the city, but we also need the help from our communities.

Graffiti will always have a bad name
A few property owners pay to have colorful murals and other large-scale paintings on their walls and fences. Although some people try to say this is graffiti while the unauthorized scribble is “tagging”, the dictionary does not make a distinction. That's because graffiti already has a bad meaning in people's minds, so people who think they are “good” graffitists will need to find another word if they hope to make a positive impression.

DECLARATION OF GRAFFITI AS A PUBLIC NUISANCE
At the city of Oxnard, the city council hereby finds and determines that graffiti is a public nuisance and that the health, safety and welfare of the city's residents shall be furthered by the establishment of a graffiti prohibition and removal program; sales, possession, and storage regulations for graffiti implements; and a reward for apprehension of persons damaging, destroying, or defacing public or private property.

source: http://citycouncil.cityofoxnard.org/Department.aspx?DepartmentID=3&DivisionID=124&ResourceID=641


How is a community "hurt" by graffiti?
Graffiti vandals believe their actions harm no one. The reality is graffiti hurts everyone: homeowners, communities, businesses, schools, and you. And, those who practice it risk personal injury, violence, and arrest.

Transportation, property, and retail sales
"Graffiti contributes to lost revenue associated with reduced ridership on transit systems, reduced retail sales and declines in property value. In addition, graffiti generates the perception of blight and heightens fear of gang activity" reports the U.S. Department of Justice.1 The appearance of graffiti is often perceived by residents and passers-by as a sign that a downward spiral has begun, even though this may not be true.

Safety
Patrons of buildings, parks, or public facilities where graffiti vandalism has occurred may feel that if graffiti is tolerated, then other more serious crimes, such as theft and assault, may also go unchallenged.

Schools and youth
In schools, 52% of public high schools and 47% of middle schools reported incidents of vandalism during the 1996-1997 school years. Data shows little difference between cities, towns, and rural areas. Additionally, about 36% of students saw hate-related graffiti at school. (U.S)

Clean up costs
Many communities, private property owners, and public agencies the cost is rising each year.


GRAFFITI PROHIBITED
It shall be unlawful for any person to place graffiti on or apply graffiti to any public, private, or personal property located within the city without permission of the owner of the property.

Why do people draw graffiti?
Some people think it's cool or they are trying to impress other people. Some people do it to become more popular or to defy authority. Some people want to express their frustration, anger or revenge and don't know how else to do it. Street gangs also use graffiti to mark their territory.


If You Spray... This is What You Will Pay!
-In the City of Oxnard, graffiti vandals are now subject to $1,000 per graffiti offense. The parents of minors convicted of graffiti vandalism are now responsible for the payment of the fine(s).
-Convicted graffiti vandals can serve  of community service , jail time and/or face felony charges.
-Convicted graffiti vandals could also face revocation of their Drivers License.

What is the best way to prevent graffiti?
Graffiti Hurts advocates a three-pronged approach to graffiti prevention.

First, educate citizens about graffiti vandalism and empower them to take action. This includes targeted prevention strategies for businesses, homeowners, and other residents. And provide a way for citizens to report graffiti vandalism.

Second, remove graffiti promptly. While this may be difficult, studies show that removal within 24 to 48 hours results in a nearly zero rate of reoccurrence. Once graffiti is cleaned up, work to change the environment so that it does not occur again in that location. Simple Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) strategies, such as changing lighting, landscape, and access to property are effective prevention tools.

Finally, ensure consistent enforcement of local ordinances with strict penalties for graffiti vandalism. Work with local law enforcement to ensure anti-graffiti laws are enforced, and that there is follow through in the court system.


Video about Graffiti Crime 
From the NYC transit authority, a 1988 video about the consequences of painting graffiti in the subway.


This commercial highlights the role of Crime Stoppers in dealing with graffiti.


Where they do Graffiti?



trains, buildings, public property.... etc....






mind-maps

The mind map of Graffiti & Crime
(click to enlarge)