iNYALA Workshop: Production of Interactive Art Installation
Cheang Lin Yew held the first technical workshop titled ‘Production of Interactive Art Installation’ on 10 August 2019 next to REXKL’s in-house blue and pink light sculpture. There was an overwhelming number of people with approximately 50 attendees for the first iNYALA workshop.
With iNYALA top 10 finalist teams presented alongside members of the public, Lin Yew shared the iteration design process between idea, design, rapid prototyping and actually building it on the design process of creating an interactive art installation. As there has never been a direct formula of the design process besides the pre-production, production and post-production flow, he encouraged critical thinking through exploration, risk-taking, experimentation, as well as trial and error.
Lin Yew noted a common problem he encountered with most designers during the crucial production process: they expected users to immediately know how to interact with their design, glossing over risk assessment of user behaviours and friendliness for all ages. What was invaluable during the workshop was the sharing of his design process through project case studies he had done in the past. They include an interactive garment integrated with tablets, sensors, EL lights called “Toshiba TabletMan” and his award-winning light art installation “The Nest” at The Bund, Shanghai. He explicated his navigation through project challenges through collaboration and being involved beyond just the visual aspect of the installation.
Nevertheless, Lin Yew stressed that at the end of the day there are no rules nor limits to designing and what was most important is being hands-on with what you do but always keeping in mind “Foresee the Unforeseen”. As there will be many technical challenges when creating interactive art like programming, materials, fabrication and method effectiveness, which everyone has varying degrees of knowledge about, he encouraged everyone to push through the steep learning curve ahead.
At the end of the workshop prior to final exhibition site visit, individual consultations and discussions were held between Lin Yew and each of the finalist teams to aid them in further realising their light art installation at REXKL.
iNYALA hopes to continue to support the finalists and involve members of the public alike in promoting art beyond traditional mediums and spaces and we are truly lucky and honored to have Lin Yew, one of Malaysia’s first interactive artists to paving the way, proving how it is always possible to “Imagine the Impossible”!