Scotoma

Scotoma is named after the blind spot caused by the optical nerve exiting the retina at the back of the eye. This is an area of paradox where the physical anatomy needed for visual perception is also the thing that causes an inability to perceive. The act of surveillance is also analogous. Our desire to know, results in a blind spot created outside the frame of a camera or peep-hole.

This interactive sculpture explores the physical and electronic act of looking. People on the outside of the box can see a person on the inside via peep-hole viewports on all sides of the box. The person on the inside of the box can see those outside by looking up into an oculus at the top of the box. Projected into the oculus from a periscope-like mirror system is a rotating video feed of four surveillance cameras positioned outside and trained on the box. Custom electronics assure that the oculus closes when the door is opened, blocking the video feed. When someone enters the box a pressure sensitive switch turns the floor lights on to illuminate the person within. Shutting the door opens the oculus for viewing.

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