Blowing Air from Beijing to Linz
This project (link) breaks boundaries of distance using sensors, digital signals and comforting smells of traditional food. This is how it works: A participant blows into a sensor in Beijing, China which transmits a digital signal to a computer in Linz, China. The computer in Linz signals a fan to turn on and releases scents for “Spicy Hot Pot” (A Chinese Delicacy), into the air. The different scents are familiar foods or tea from the Chinese culture. This installation is supposed to evoke the feeling of scents traveling without boundaries.
This project is created by the artistic group 8GG interactive. The group is made up of artists from Beijing who also work with video, music, web art and do live visual-audio performances.
I can understand why the scents of traditional foods are chosen for this installation. However, I think it would be interesting to include scents that were distinct a culture, then transmit them to a location where those smells are unfamiliar. It would break boundaries of distance and ethnicity. Also, this installation reminds me of one Justin mentioned in class. It involves a person choosing the position of lights on a digital 3D map through the internet, which then transmits to the real installation of lights in another city.
