This is an experimental animation installation exploring the possibilities of interactive animation as a re-imagining of the Chinese Zhongyuan Festival (the Hungry Ghost Festival). The animation installation will explore how people honor their ancestors by lighting a fire and placing the lanterns.
It includes two parts – a physical setting and a virtual projected animation. When people enter the room its three walls will serve as projection screens. There will be a blue stream projected on the floor stretching out ahead of them. Stepping in (on) the “stream” will produce projected visual ripples. A dead tree with sand around its roots will be at the end of the stream The tree is composed of a series of stacked laser-cut boards with ropes.
On the three screens, the animation of animals and ghosts can be seen. Inspired by the custom of honoring ancestors in the Zhongyuan Festival, viewers can follow the animation. They can pick up a water lantern beside the water tank to place it above the water.
