Minimaforms: Memory Cloud

Memory Cloud was an transient light environment that was exhibited in London's Trafalgar Square in October 2008 that I was fortunate enough to see. Memory Cloud was based on smoke signals, which is one of the oldest forms of visual communication. The public were invited to participate in the installation by sending text messages that were then converted into plumes of smoke. In reality the text messages were projected through clouds of smoke, but gave the illusion that the messages were in fact in cloud form.



The light acted as a virtual ink scrawling through the smoke that perceptually wrote and then erased. This work was extremely relevant to my project, as the main features revolved around smoke and light. It was fascinating how vibrant the text looked as it was projected across the square. Although some texts were not as visible as others, especially when the wind picked up and blew the necessary smoke away from the light, it helped to enrich the idea of smoke signals. As my project is planned to be shown in an enclosed area, wind should not pose a problem, however it is something to consider, obviously not external wind, but any breezes or movement that could effect the movement of the smoke. If the smoke is seen to be moving around the space it could ruin the solidity of the columns.

The above picture was taken from the Minimaforms website as I felt that it help to support my own photos from the installation.