company
type
role
team
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obj | new media
Designer | researcher
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work in progress
Abstract
This artwork delves into the liminal spaces—both physical and emotional—through the simple yet profound act of play. The ping pong table becomes a dynamic site of interaction where individuals from diverse backgrounds engage in a form of communication beyond words. In a world where places are increasingly contested and fragmented, the act of playing emerges as a unifying force, fostering collaboration and connection. Each movement and every rally creates a shared dialogue, building bridges between participants through participation.
The table itself is interactive, with sensors and projection mapping embedded into its surface. These elements react in real time to the ball›s motion and impact, creating evolving visuals that mirror the interplay of fragmentation and connection. The design reflects the ever-changing nature of our shared spaces while imagining new forms of unity. Even in a world where places and identities are fractured, TableTalk demonstrates how play can reclaim and transform fragmented spaces into arenas of connection and belonging.
Design
From a design perspective, TableTalk: Turning Fragments into Shared Moments integrates three main elements: the table, the rackets, and the interactive projected visuals. The table, equipped with sensors, acts as both the physical and symbolic space for connection, while the rackets enable intuitive engagement, representing individual agency within shared play. Dynamic projected visuals respond to the ball’s movement, transforming the surface into a living, interactive canvas that evolves with each interaction, reflecting the journey from fragmentation to unity.
The Table
At the heart of TableTalk is a table unlike any traditional ping pong table. While it serves as the central space for interaction and play, its design is deeply rooted in cultural significance. The net, instead of a standard mesh, is inspired by intricate Persian art motifs, a reflection of the artist›s heritage and a homage to a culture rich in history yet increasingly fragmented in the modern world. The net›s delicate patterns symbolize both connection and fragility, mirroring the tension between preserving cultural identity and navigating globalized, shifting spaces. By integrating these elements, the table becomes more than a surface for play—it transforms into a platform for dialogue, a celebration of cultural resilience, and a poignant reminder of the beauty that can emerge from fragmentation.
The Rackets
The rackets in TableTalk are deliberately designed to emphasize the inequality often experienced by individuals, particularly immigrants, within shared spaces. One racket is standard, representing privilege and stability, while the other is fragmented, with gaps and an irregular surface that disrupt its functionality, symbolizing the challenges and disadvantages faced by marginalized communities. Despite these differences, both players share the same playground, a level and neutral table, highlighting the paradox of an ostensibly equal environment that fails to account for systemic imbalances. Through this contrast, the artwork underscores the unfairness of circumstances where individuals are expected to compete or collaborate on unequal terms, inviting participants to reflect on privilege, resilience, and the potential for connection despite disparities.
Interactive Visuals
The interactive visuals in TableTalk are designed to dynamically respond to the movements and impacts of the game, creating an immersive and evolving experience that extends the conversation between play and visual art. The aesthetic of these visuals is deeply rooted in the artist›s heritage, drawing inspiration from traditional Persian art forms, particularly intricate geometric patterns and vibrant colors. As the ball bounces across the table, the visuals generate real-time, interactive patterns that transform and fragment, echoing the themes of displacement and the fragmentation of culture. These patterns are designed using TouchDesigner, allowing them to react fluidly to the ball›s trajectory, creating a harmonious blend of digital art and physical play. The aesthetic not only honors the artist›s cultural roots but also speaks to the cyclical nature of transformation—where fragmentation leads to new forms of beauty and connection. Through this visual experience, the artwork underscores the tension between unity and division, offering a space for participants to engage with the ever-shifting, interactive patterns as they reflect on the concept of fragmentation in both a cultural and global context.
