e_motions in process

Abstract

This research project maps virtual emotions. Rauch uses 3D-surface capturing devices to scan facial expressions in (stuffed) animals and humans, which she then sculpts with the Phantom Arm/ SensAble FreeForm device in 3D virtual space. The results are rapidform printed objects and 3D animations of morphing faces and gestures. Building on her research into consciousness studies and emotions, she has developed a new artwork to reveal characteristic aspects of human emotions (i.e. laughing, crying, frowning, sneering, etc.), which utilises new technology, in particular digital scanning devices and special effects animation software. The proposal is to use a 3D high-resolution laser scanner to capture animal faces and, using the data of these faces, animate and then combine them with human emotional facial expressions. The morphing of the human and animal facial data are not merely layers of the different scans but by applying an algorithmic programme to the data, crucial landmarks in the animal face are merged in order to match with those of the human. The results are morphings of the physical characteristics of animals with the emotional characteristics of the human face in 3D. The focus of this interdisciplinary research project is a collaborative practice that brings together researchers from UCL in London and researchers at OCAD University's data and information visualization lab. Rauch uses Darwin's metatheory of the continuity of species and other theories on evolution and internal physiology (Ekman et al) in order to reexamine previous and new theories with the use of new technologies, including the SensAble FreeForm Device, which, as an interface, allows for haptic feedback from digital data.