SquareTalk is an interactive installation that explores storytelling to create human-connection between strangers. Participants are invited to create a lantern, illustrate it with personal experiences and then record a short, reflective audio piece.
The lanterns are installed in a dark space, where a torch is used to bring them to life, illuminating the illustrations and activating the stories which then echo throughout the installation. We believe that human connection is strengthened through the sharing of personal experiences. Therefore, we seek to provide an atmosphere where the public can share stories openly and hear the stories of others.
This project is a collaboration with Joshua Wilkinson (Sound and Technology Design) and Revy Hamilton (Visual Arts). The project travelled to Linz, Austria where it was exhibited as part of the Ars Electronica Festival in 2014. In 2015 the project was part of the Shape of Things to Come Exhibition in Brisbane.
We are continuing to develop the project with ambitions to collect stories from around the world.
SquareTalk was a finalist in the IxDAwards 2016, Connecting and Expressing categories! In 2016 it was awarded best in category for 'Expressing', in Helsinki, Finland. http://awards.ixda.org/entry/2016/squaretalk/
SquareTalk has also been featured in the Ars Electronica Blog: http://www.aec.at/aeblog/en/2016/05/03/squaretalk/
