The Bush Soul (#1) - 1997
INTERACTIVE ART INSTALLATION
First in a series of three interactive art installations that explore the role of human presence in a virtual world inhabited by artificial life.
In West Africa, there's a belief that a person has more than one soul and that there's a type of soul called the bush soul that dwells within a wild animal of the bush. In this work a person's "soul" enters a virtual world (a virtual bush) that is alive and responsive. The world's inhabitants are brought to life through programs that define their behaviors and desires.
With this work the artist has created a living abstract world that responds to human interaction. Although influenced by video games, there is no conclusion or finality, only continual exploration and pleasure.
PARTIALLY FUNDED BY INTEL RESEARCH COUNCIL.