This work presents two virtual portraits which track the position of the sun and the moon at all times. This is achieved by inputting the precise scientific information as to the movement of these elements and designing the portraits so they follow these coordinates with their eyes and head at all times.

The left hand portrait opens her eyes at dawn and tracks the sun. The right hand portrait tracks the moon. If either element is not visible the Caroline closes her eyes and sleeps.

 The diptych is shown on a shelf with the public being able to turn each panel on a central pivot point. The virtual portrait remains static, however, allowing the public to look around and behind the sitter, eventually leaving the screens in any way desired.

 Siemens Residence Project at Ars Electronica 2004

Project collaborators: Robert Praxmarer (programming), Werner Pötzelberger (3D mesh), Erwin Reitböck (presentation development, research), Roland Haring (original Cal3D solution), Christoph Schulz, Stefan Feldler (custom electronics), Jakob Edlbacher (display device), Caroline Issa (model)

http://www.johngerrard.net/watchful/

John Gerrard (Ireland, 1974) is an artist whose varied works investigates the emotional possibilities of digital technologies. He is Siemens Artist in Residence to the Ars Electronica Futurelab (2004). He received a BFA (Sculpture) from the Ruskin School of Oxford University in 1997, an MFA (Art and Technology) from the Art Institute of Chicago in 2000 and an MSc (Multimedia) from Trinity College Dublin in 2001.

http://www.johngerrard.net

ARS ELECTRONICA FUTURELAB, is a model of a new kind of media art laboratory in wich artistic and technological innovations engender reciprocal inspiration. The lab’s team bring together a wide variety of specialized skills; their approach is characterized by interdisciplinarity and international networking. The Futurelab’s wide-ranging activities include designing and engeneering exhibitions, creating artistic installations, as well as pursuing collaborative research with universities and joint ventures with private sector associates.