#FeliCity

#FeliCity is an artwork that challenges the impact of social media on human interactions. The shape of #FeliCity resembles a hashtag – constructed in three dimensions.

Hashtag

A hashtag has become the attribute of social interaction in digital media. #FeliCity brings the hashtag back to the here and now – placemaking with digital means, and a counterbalance to social media that created that distance.

The arms of the hashtag display scrolling texts on a tickertape. The scrolling texts are tags, words and sentences based on contextual hashtags originating in the social media landscape.

ChatGPT

ChatGPT was used as input for a reflection the meaning of homecoming. #FeliCity is believed to be the first artwork of light that used ChatGPT.

The scrolling text is a historical reference to the early interactive media billboards that started to appear mid-20th century, with the latest news and stock exchange information in real time.  These scrolling texts can be seen as first type of dynamic media outlets, starting the modern media era.

Tensegrity

#FeliCity has a shape that is a three dimensional tensegrity construction, a term coined by Buckminster Fuller as a portmanteau for ‘tensional integrity’. The structure has 4 studs made out of trusses, and 12 steel tension cables. The trusses and cables are in a structural balance, creating a balanced shape. One of the studs seems to float in the air as it kept in place by the tension cables, creating an element of surprise.

It’s monumental quality, the element of surprise and the various texts and conversations on #FeliCity improves social interaction on site. The text and interaction is engaging and positive in nature.

Placemaking

#FeliCity goal is to positively influence the spectators sentiment. Words and sentences on display are by default a mix of curated contextual hashtags and texts with a connection the location of the artwork, as well is input by ChatGPT. Reflections on the scope of the (light)festival are also fitting. An automated input and response system is possible, but requires research in curating input and local means of input.

The font used on the tickertape is a BIOS font of the 80’ first commercial DOS computers. The text on the tickertape has various effects for emphasis and connotation, and can display any desired text useful for the location and the aim of its placement.

#FeliCity was on display at the iLightU festival in Utrecht, The Netherlands, in 2023.