Intermodulator: Interactive Audio-visual System for Collaborative Improvisation.

This paper describes an interactive installation called 'Intermodulator' that generates diverse patterns of moiré image through participants' collaborative and improvisational sound engagement. This installation is comprised of ordinary box fans, backlights, and microphones. The custom-designed system enables the speed of the individual fans and the brightness of the backlights to interact with different live sound inputs. When a certain resonance and tension are achieved between these input sounds, the installation produces seemingly stationary or moiré images of the fans. The main contribution of this installation is to suggest an experiential space where participants can (a) produce artistic audio-visual performances through collaborative improvisation, and (b) empirically explore the key features of collaborative improvisation that promote creativity and learning. This paper introduces the concept, background, and technical details of the project, and proposes its site-specific version for Satosphere Dome at the SAT.