Animated Tattoo for Ballantines
From WorkClub in London comes a series of live artistic events for Ballantines, called ‘Human API‘. Different artists create work (and leave an impression as per the brand’s positionng). The process is streamed live through facebook and influenced by the audience through facebook chat and Twitter. The example below shows a 100% permanent impression, done by tattoo artist K.A.R.L. As the video explains, the live interaction was rounded off with an animation video, triggered by a mobile marker within the tattoo.
I like the first person camera view and the expression “Powered by Human API” (which is after all the most complex yet ready-to-use interface available). Related live art projects in the past include Beck’s Live Studio by Dare which played user-remixed music to the artists and the 24hr Session with Maroon5 for Coke by W+K London. I find notable that the project’s doco is a vital part of the strategy. The videos are indeed the message and can achieve a bigger reach than the interaction itself.
Other ‘Human API’ events feature ice sculptor J.A.M.I.E. (below) and graffiti artist 45 R.P.M. (what’s with all the dots?) spraying interactively. I like how the user photos are incorporated into 45′s physical piece inside of those screens.
The doco of J.A.M.I.E. shows him cheerily hacking away at an ice robot. If you are of an impatient disposition, jump to 2:07 and see the melting ice robot dance. That’s something I hadn’t seen before.
