Wormhole

Wormhole is an audio/visual performance project that integrates live internet data into Unity and Max/Msp delves into the intricate relationship between technology, surveillance, and human perception. With a dystopian futuristic perspective, it explores how the vast scale of data in a virtual world alters our precision of time and space.

This project draws inspiration from the stark and eerie visuals of cyberpunk literature and films, presenting a world where omnipresent surveillance has become the norm. The UI is designed to mimic surveillance camera feeds, with dynamic UI rearrangements driven by OSC signals from Max/Msp, reflecting the chaotic and fragmented nature of modern digital surveillance. Each visual update, sourced from Google API data, reinforces the theme of constant monitoring and data-driven control.

The latest version of this project incorporates self-built VGA video synth devices, modified to generate grids using signals from a modular synthesizer. This approach adds a unique analog texture to the digital visuals, blending old and new technologies to create a distinctive aesthetic. The organic, unpredictable nature of the modular synthesizer signals introduces a level of spontaneity and authenticity, contrasting with the otherwise highly controlled and data-driven environment.

 

The visual composition is characterized by high contrast, neon hues, and glitch effects, creating an unsettling yet mesmerizing atmosphere. The audio component, generated in real-time, complements the visuals with industrial and ambient soundscapes, further immersing the audience in the dystopian narrative.

In this project, aesthetics are not merely about visual appeal but serve to underscore the themes of surveillance, control, and the loss of individuality in a data-saturated world. The interplay between the visuals and the audio underscores the dissonance and fragmentation experienced in a hyper-connected society, prompting viewers to reflect on their own relationship with technology and data.

By integrating live internet data, the project blurs the line between reality and virtuality, making a poignant commentary on the pervasive influence of technology in our lives. The dystopian futuristic view challenges the audience to consider the implications of living in a world where every action is monitored and analyzed, questioning the very nature of freedom and privacy in the digital age.