Chrysalis

Timeline: 06-10/2023
Category: Multimedia Installation, Digital Fabrication, Interactive Design, Immersive Experience
Role: Independent Artist
Tools & Technology: TouchDesigner, Cinema 4D, Adobe Suite, Arduino, Kinect, Generative AI (Stable Diffusion)
Venue: SVA Chelsea Gallery, Romanian Cultural Institute, New York

Chrysalis is a multimedia installation that embodies the intergenerational feminine energy of the family while critically examining the dual role of motherhood, both visually and spiritually. The work creates an immersive experience through a walk-in, cocoon-shaped sculpture that integrates digital fabrication, interactive design, projection mapping, animations, soft sculptures, and physical interfaces, blending art and technology to evoke an emotional and reflective journey.

Documentation (2023)

Concept

In families, navigating the interplay of masculine (patriarchal and repressive) and feminine (matriarchal and supportive) energies shapes dynamics and relationships. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to control, avoidance, depression, anger, or even abuse. Women, often the emotional anchors, bear the dual burden of meeting societal expectations while demonstrating resilience, creating a cycle of both protection and limitation that is often passed down through generations.

I began to see art as a way to address these imbalances and find inner release. Inspired by the women in my family, who are skilled in textiles, I was drawn to explore feminist and feminine expression through textile art (read the research paper here). By combining crafts with digital techniques, it becomes possible to evoke emotions, encourage reflection, and create space for healing.

Concept Arts

Design

The installation is designed to accommodate 1-2 people, creating a space for both internal and external interactivity and contrast. A cocoon shape was intentionally chosen for its symbolic connection to transformation, protection, and femininity, representing a metaphorical “home”—a safe haven and a net of constraints, offering both physical and emotional shelter while adding a critical dimension.

To execute, the installation was divided into three parts:

The Cocoon Shell: A solid structure with a fabric cover as the physical boundary.
The External Space: Interactive projection mapping from the outside.
The Internal Space: Small sculptures interact with digital videos for a tactile, immersive experience.

The cocoon measures 8.5 ft x 4.75 ft x 4.7 ft, with a 10 ft x 10 ft x 10 ft total space for interaction.

Sketch of the Space

Execution

1) Digital Fabrication of the Cocoon Shell's Frame

The cocoon was 3D modeled in Cinema 4D, and the frame structure was refined using Slicer for Fusion 360 to generate the construction layout.

3D Modeling and Rendering Effects

Three prototypes were laser-cut to test different assembly methods and materials:

Prototype [1]: Horizontal ring arrangement
- Targetd Material: Wood
- Result: Discarded. Hard to Install.

Prototype [1]

Prototype [2]: Vertical ring arrangement
- Targetd Material: Wood
- Result: Adopted. Proved more stable and easier to assemble.

Prototype [2]

Prototype [3]: Layered slices glued together
- Targetd Material: Cardboard or foam
- Result: Discarded. Material- and time-consuming.

Prototype [3]

Due to the large scale and time constraints, I developed two backup plans in case the project couldn't be completed on time:

[1] Cut the structure in half and place it against a wall.

[2] Create a smaller version to hang from the ceiling, allowing visitors to interact by placing their heads inside.

Backup Plan [1]

Backup Plan [2]

After finalizing the design solution, I edited the actual-sized pieces in Adobe Illustrator. Each ring was divided into 2 or 3 segments, and the entire structure was split into a total of 47 pieces. To facilitate assembly and disassembly, I programmed the joint areas into "dogbone" shapes for easier fitting.

Origital Layout with Numbes for CNC Cuting in Adobe Illustrator

Adding Round Shapes to Each Anchor for "Dogbone" Joints

"Dogbone" Coding

// JavaScript Script for Adobe Illustrator // duplicates the foreground object in the selection // at the locations of rest of every selected anchor points. main(); function main(){ if(documents.length < 1) return; var s = activeDocument.selection; if(!(s instanceof Array) || s.length < 2) return; var tgt_item = s[0]; // target object to duplicate // define the location where to locate at the rest of anchors. // if the target is a PathItem and only 1 anchor selected, // duplicate to locate this anchor at the rest of anchors. var tgt_point = []; // check whether only 1 anchor point is selected var i; if(tgt_item.typename == "PathItem"){ var p = tgt_item.pathPoints; for(i = 0; i < p.length; i++){ if(isSelected(p[i])){ if(tgt_point.length < 1){ tgt_point = p[i].anchor; } else { // means 2 or more anchors are selected tgt_point = []; break; } } } } if(tgt_point.length < 1){ // means 2 or more anchors are selected // find out the center of the target var vb = tgt_item.visibleBounds; // left, top, right, bottom tgt_point = [(vb[0] + vb[2]) / 2, (vb[1] + vb[3]) / 2]; } var pathes = []; extractPathes(s.slice(1), 0, pathes); var j; for(i = 0; i < pathes.length; i++){ p = pathes[i].pathPoints; for(var j=0; j < p.length; j++){ if(isSelected(p[j])){ tgt_item.duplicate().translate(p[j].anchor[0] - tgt_point[0], p[j].anchor[1] - tgt_point[1]); } } } } // ----------------------------------------------- function isSelected(p){ return p.selected == PathPointSelection.ANCHORPOINT; } // -------------------------------------- function extractPathes(s, pp_length_limit, pathes){ for(var i = 0; i 0 && s[i].pathPoints.length

I then cut the pieces from three 8'×4' birch plywood sheets using a CNC routing machine. The entire process, from preparation to cutting and assembling, spanned two months.

Wooden Structure and Documentation

2) Surface Craft

The cocoon’s surface was constructed in multiple layers: an inner quilt layer to conceal the frame and support interior decorations, and an outer layer made of solid boiled wool, a stretchy fabric designed to mimic the texture and appearance of a real cocoon.

Surface Layers Display and 3D Scanning

Solid Boiled Wool Texture

Complete Suface Display (Hand-Sewn)

3) External Projection Mapping

The projection mapping on the cocoon’s surface creates an engaging interactive experience. Drawing inspiration from natural patterns, I designed an organic, glowing texture in TouchDesigner using GLSL. A Kinect sensor captures participants’ silhouettes, enabling a dynamic electronic effect that responds to movement.

The pattern combines Physarum for the background texture, Voronoi for silhouette detection and electric effects, and GLSL particle tracing to refine the outlines dynamically.

Programming in TouchDesigner

Projection Mapping Outcome and Documentation

4) Interior Environment & Interactivity

[1] Soft Sculptures

The interior space mimics biological tissues, contrasting the gentle exterior and symbolizing inner struggles. Soft sculptures add a tactile dimension, immersing viewers in the visceral and emotional layers of the work. At the center, a vein-like tree structure, made from CNC-cut cardboard and glitter fabrics, encircles a screen, serving as the installation's focal point.

Mood Board & Interior Soft Scupltures Display

[2] Digital Content

At the center screen, I created interactive videos featuring a "Moth Fairy" character, designed in Cinema 4D, to embody the feminine energy and its intergenerational lineage.

Digital Animation on the Screen

[3] Interactive Design

The character features three light spots inspired by chakra points: the forehead (grandmother), mouth (mother), and stomach (daughter). These spots symbolize a journey of growth, from suppression to communication to release. I designed corresponding icons for each spot, 3D-printed them, and integrated them with light sensors connected to Arduino.

Using TouchDesigner, I programmed an interactive system where visitors can aim their phone flashlights at these spots, activating the corresponding light spot on the screen and unfolding films that reveal deeper layers of the narrative.

The films, each 10 seconds long, were generated using Stable Diffusion.

Interactive Design Connected with Light (Programmed in TouchDesigner and Arduino)

Final Look of the Interactivity

Impact & Reflection

Throughout the academic year, the installation became a communal space where students could relax, take breaks from intense thesis work, and share emotions with friends. My initial goal was to create an interdisciplinary, immersive experience combining digital and physical media while balancing practicality, aesthetics, and engagement. This project also inspired me to explore transformative design that bridges technology and art.

However, due to time constraints and challenges, the final outcome felt somewhat unfocused. Improvements could be made by simplifying the composite design and nonlinear storytelling, as the current version involves too many components for efficient installation. With more time, I would explore new materials, parametric modeling, and refined design methodologies to enhance both the functionality and overall impact of the installation.