The system interprets sound levels, translating them into the illumination and activation of the bioreactor that supports the algal life.
Additionally, they system parses Instagram for #climatechange, and incrementally raises the sea level in a digitized map of the world that uses the algal growth as the background for the continents. This map is projected, along with the images parsed from Instagram, onto the wall behind the bioreactor.
Version v.4.0 will be shown at ZKM in Karlsruhe Germany starting in October of 2015.
Operation:
1. Computer monitors twitter and instagram for #climatechange
2. For each use of #climatechange, the projected image of the ocean encroaches 10pixels into the continents
3. A webcam hanging over bioreactor provides a live view of the algae which defines the color of continents and enhances ocean color in the projections.
4. A live stream of instragram images using the hastag #climatechange is shown in the projection
5. A mic monitors activity around the piece
6. The LED array providing a light source for the algal growth is triggered with human interaction
7. The air pump provides a constant source of sound triggering the LED array
8. Air pump circulates CO2 into bio-reactor
Protista Imperialis v2.1 was on display for five months at the Castellani Museum beginning in August, 2014.
