Interactive Playground

Proposal by
G.H. Hovagimyan
ghh@thing.net
212-219-1148

Abstract
The interactive playground project consists of three works.

1. An interactive Seesaw
2. A jump rope machine
3. An interactive spiral slide

1. The interactive seesaw has recently been completed as part of an LMCC

residency at Governor’s Island in New York City. It consists of a seesaw, a
computer, and a sound system.

When viewers mount the seesaw they control the projections. Their movement
turns two windows off and on depending on the position of the seesaw.
2. The Jump rope machine is in the process of being made. A test prototype is
functional for one rope. The final project has two ropes making a Double Dutch
jump rope mechanism.

The work consists of the jump rope machine and a two stereo speaker sound
system. The sound track is two little girls singing jump rope sounds. The
machine turns on when viewers enter the area and turns off when they leave.

Note: There is potential for a community workshop where young girls are
recorded singing jump rope songs.
3. An interactive spiral slide is in the process of being designed. It is based on
the model of Tatlin’s tower. The proposal is to build a 25 foot tower with a spiral
slide using wooden struts and 55 gallon plastic drums cut in half for the slide. As
people slide down they will trigger sensors that cause video projections, sound
light and motion in the inside of the spiral.

Note: This work is very complex and may not be within the range of potential
support from NCSU Cam.
The proposal can be for one, two or three works depending upon interest and
finances.

Technical Requirements
1. Seesaw
1 mac mini computer, a data projector, 1 pair amplified speakers, an
IcubeX interface, a midi wifi interface, 110 power to computer, speakers,
projector etc.. a room approximately 20 x 25 feet minimum

2. Jump Rope Machine

110 power to machine, 1 pair stereo speakers on stands with amplifier, I
cd player, one motion sensor switching mechanism

3. Interactive Spiral Slide

2 mac mini computers, 1 IcubeX interface, 2 projectors, miscellaneous
sensors for IcubeX, Miscellaneous servor mechanism and robotic
controllers, 1 Plexiglass sound dome loudspeaker, 1 pair stereo
loudspeakers, 1 remote sound mixer.
Software for programming, Pure Data (open source) Final Cut Pro, Audacity
(open source) IcubeX interface software

Budget
1. Seesaw is complete however venue should supply 1 mac mini,1 pair
amplified loudspeakers and 1 data projector plus appropriate hardware for
ceiling mounting. Artist will supply, IcubeX software and wifi midi interface
and seesaw. Venue to supply shipping for seesaw RT from Galilee, PA
18415 to Museum plus RT airfare from NYC and honorarium for
installation etc..
Estimate cost $3,500

2. Jump Rope Machine

Venue will supply 1 pair stereo speakers on stands with amplifier, I cd player
and transportation of Jump Rope Machine machine round trip from Galilee,
PA 18415 to Museum plus RT airfare from NYC and honorarium for
installation etc..
Estimate cost $3,500

3. Interactive Spiral Slide

4. Venue will supply 2 mac mini computers, 1 IcubeX interface, 2 projectors,
miscellaneous sensors for IcubeX, Miscellaneous servor mechanism and
 robotic controllers, 1 Plexiglass sound dome loudspeaker, 1 pair stereo
loudspeakers, 1 remote sound mixer. . Venue to supply shipping for
Interactive Spiral Slide RT from Galilee, PA 18415 to Museum plus RT
airfare from NYC and honorarium for installation etc..
Estimated cost $10, 500

Short Bio
G.H. Hovagimyan is an experimental artist working in a variety of forms. He was
one of the first artists in New York to start working with the Internet in the early
nineties. His work ranges from new media and hypertext works to digital
performance art, video art, photography and multi-media installations.

His works have been exhibited at MoMA, Mass MoCA, The Whitney Museum,
The New Museum, The Walker Art Center, Jeu De Paume, MAC Marseille, MAC
Lyon, Pompidou Center, Lincoln Center, ICA The Clocktower, The Kitchen, The
Alternative Museum, Eyebeam Art & Technology, List Visual Arts Center, La
Gaite Du Lyrique, Stuttgart Kunstverein, Steim Institute, the Moscow Center for
Contemporary Art, Postmasters Gallery, Pace Digital Gallery

He has also exhibited works in major festivals and art fairs including; Art Basel
Miami, Pulse Miami, Art Cologne, Split Film Festival, Conflux Festival, Video
Dumbo, Scope Art Fair, Frieze Art Fair, Avignon Numerique, The Documenta,
Interferences 2nd International Festival of Urban Multimedia Arts, Les Musiques,
Marseille and Prix Ars Electronica 98 where he won an award for his
collaborative work with Peter Sinclair.

His works are in the collections of The Walker Art Center, The Whitney Museum,
The Alternative Museum, Computer Fine Arts Collection and Perpetual Art
Machine

Recent awards include: LMCC Governor’s Island Residency - 2010, Plazaville

- 2009 commission of New Radio and Performing Arts, Inc. for its Turbulence
web site made possible with funding from the New York City Department of
Cultural Affairs, 2003 fellowship from Experimental Television Center, 2003
TAM Digital Media Commissions, 2002 Artists Fellowship from Franklin
Furnace, 2002 pilot artist in residence program from Eyebeam, NYC.

Contact info:
G.H. Hovagimyan
11 Harrison Street, #6
New York, NY 10013
212-219-1148
ghh@thing.net

Homepage: http://nujus.net/gh