ANIMA by Nick Verstand
ANIMA is an interactive installation that investigates communication between humans and an artificial intelligence. This three-dimensional sphere poses as an intelligent and emotional entity. It communicates by interpreting body movements and portrays its character by responding to the observant with an array of audiovisual expressions. Through this behavioral process the installation creates the illusion of being sensory.
Because of its inherently different nature, this abstract form challenges our premise for communication. This entity acts as a metaphor for human-to-human relations, as it creates a playful environment for us to investigate uncomfortable questions about communication amongst ourselves: How do we relate to something different from ourselves? How do we communicate with the world around us? When do we perceive something as having a soul?