How the digital sculpture Stream works – and the thought behind the art
Photo: Freddy Houndekindo och Jesper Mattsson
Thousands of sensors are installed throughout Örebro University. Activity measured at a select number of these generates various patterns in the sculpture Stream – an animated portrait of the university constantly evolving.
Stream, by Izabel Lind, is an interactive live-streamed digital sculpture that can be thought of as a portrait of the university. Using data from sensors measuring movement, light, temperature, and humidity, the sculpture reacts and renders this sensory data into a light animation. As activity increases, so does the luminosity, form, colour, and intensity generated by the wave-shaped LED sculpture. The pixels in the net co-create an entirely digital image. Just as individuals interact on the campus, they also contribute to the atmosphere and community that is unique to this place.
“The essence of a campus is the people there. They are what makes it unique every day. And why the campus changes over time. Stream communicates that evolution.” says its creator, Izabel Lind.
The sculpture Stream is found in front of AI Impact Lab, LABBET. As part of Örebro Campus Lab, the university installed some 4,000 sensors on its campus. The project aims to create an innovative environment for education and research. The purpose of collecting data is to contribute to research on how to use the premises more efficiently and sustainably, as well as decrease energy consumption.
“Örebro University is a high technological university aiming to be Sweden’s most digitalized and sustainable learning centre. As a result, there was a request for a new kind of digital artwork to reflect that part of the university’s identity,” explains Izabel Lind.
The sculpture has been commissioned by the Public Art Agency Sweden (Statens konstråd) and Akademiska Hus.
About the artist
Name: Izabel Lind
Born: 1991, Västerås, Sweden
Education: 2020, Masters of Fine Arts, Royal Institute of Art, Stockholm
As a sculptor, Izabel Lind’s interests lie in the intersection where the physical form meets the digital. She has exhibited regularly over the past years and received grants from Pontus Bonnier and the Oscar Properties Art Foundation, among others.
“Stream” is Lind’s second commissioned public installation. “Sirens”, her first, is found at the Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel in Stavanger, Norway.