e.mia.me
Matter breaks free
Preliminary studies for an interactive installation
Chemistry in art
Leonardo Essay
Exhibited at:
"Aesthetics and Visualization in Chemistry" by HYLE  International Journal for Philosophy of Chemistry -
Virtual Exhibition and CD - University of San Francisco 
    
e.mia.me' - Matter Breaks Free
Smart materials in the service of physical interaction 
by Tamar Schori 
Ferrofluid, a magnetic fluid, is the principle actor in e.mia.me'. Ferrofluid is part liquid, part solid. When put in presence of a magnetic field it expresses flexibility and reversibility. It is made out of tiny particles that respond to external magnetic, gravitational and surface tension forces. 
E.mia.me' includes an elevated round stage that serves as a physical interface. Sixteen visitors may use pairs of pedals to manipulate a video projection. The group invokes a magnetic field that animates a magnetic fluid in a hidden aquarium. The images are streamed from the aquarium to the center of the stage. Parts of the stage may vibrate following users' choices. These vibrations will stop only through a group effort. 
Users experience direct control over the video projection at their footstep. The reversibility of the Ferrofluid in the presence of a magnetic field is therefore used as the driving force of this interactive installation. 
The interactive model in e.mia.me' encourages a group behavior. When the stage vibrates the group will have to generate a mutual will in order to avoid or pursue the vibrations. 
The tiny particles of the magnetic fluid respond unanimously to an external force. When a group is formed through trial and error a time may come when the group itself will act in a similar way. 
The ability of a medium to receive input, change its shape according to the input and return to its original state when the input seizes, is generally attributed to digital products and outcomes. Here, the Ferrofluid reversibility enables the assimilation of digital flexibility in a physical substance. (In daily conditions) 
e.mia.me' uses the Ferrofluid's qualities as part liquid, part solid, to visualize process, data transmission and control. As the material visually breaks from the restraining boundaries of gravity it expresses the beauty inherited in interaction and flux. 
The images created in e.mia.me' document users' choices and behavior. The generated dynamic and shapes are intrinsically beautiful. This beauty lures the audience into participation as they gain control over the mechanism and develop a hive mind that guide them through a recursive process that enhance both the material and the group. 
The artist acknowledges the support of  Ferrotec