Project Overview
KEEPER is an interactive AI sculpture celebrating Black culture and history, blending technology and storytelling to explore themes of hope, joy, and resilience. By incorporating personal stories and collective memories, KEEPER creates a multi-sensory experience that bridges the past and future.
Dynamic LED animations and custom voice technology powered by ChatGPT and ElevenLabs invite audiences to engage in a dialogue that amplifies Black voices and challenges stereotypes. The project was exhibited at:
One Art Space (May 2024)
Pratt’s Pieces of You, Pieces of Me Exhibition (August 5 – September 28, 2024)
Interactive Features
AI-Powered Storytelling: Responsive narratives generated through ChatGPT and ElevenLabs.
Dynamic LED Animations: Visual storytelling synchronized via Arduino, creating immersive lighting effects.
Purpose
To celebrate and amplify Black voices while challenging stereotypes through the fusion of art and technology.
Media and Tools
TouchDesigner: For real-time interactivity and visuals.
Arduino IDE: For LED animation control and integration.
ChatGPT & ElevenLabs: AI-driven conversational and voice technologies.
Fabrication Techniques: Multi-sensory LED integration for immersive audience engagement.
Funding and Recognition
KEEPER was proudly funded by the Pratt STEAMPlant Initiative, which supports innovative projects at the intersection of art, science, and technology.
Impact
Provided audiences with a reflective, interactive journey into Black culture and history.
Sparked conversations about representation and resilience through the lens of technology and Afrofuturism.
KEEPER RESPONSE SAMPLES
Early Development
The structure of KEEPER was initially conceptualized and designed using Shapr3D and Procreate. A key challenge during development was transporting the installation from Brooklyn to Manhattan. To address this, I engineered the structure to be fully detachable and modular, ensuring easier assembly and transportation.
Pictures of the modular design and early prototypes illustrate this process and highlight the iterative approach to problem-solving.
SHAPR3D FULL SCULPTURE
BOTTOM OF SCULPTURE
SHAPR3D BOTTOM OF SCULPTURE
SHAPR3D 3D PRINTED TOP PIECE
structure built + painted
structure built + painted
3d printed and painted
TouchDesigner code: New LED animations and colors are generated via the serial port with each response. below KEEPER is GENERATING A response and returns to breathing mode when idle
touchdesigner interface
generating a response
returns to breathe mode
