Play Table: art technology research and development.
Charting the area between art and game, Play Table is a multi-participant, audiovisual ‘work-in-progress’ that is being developed iteratively through a programme of public events.
At its heart, Play Table features an interactive video image projected from above onto a large tabletop surface complemented by responsive surround sound design. Participants, or ‘art players’, are invited to manipulate virtual objects from the edge of the surface which may collide with each other and by doing so create aesthetically interesting visual and sonic results. The artist seeks to provoke and test interpersonal interaction through a range of play mechanics that are designed to stimulate co-operation and/or provoke competition. Above all else, the piece is an exploration of playfulness. By positioning the project as ongoing ‘work in progress’, the development process is explicitly opened up to participants whose input and feedback is regarded as invaluable.
Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
Overview of Play Table project.