Heartfelt Shadowplay

Video projection, sound, interactive and computational software, laptop, pulse sensor, arduino, epaulette, kissing booth. 2013.

The Heartfelt Shadowplay is a booth for lovers. At this sideshow festivalgoers are urged to make out. The bio-sensing installation enables them to publicly display their love for eachother. This a space where lovers are encouraged to literally open their hearts.

The Heartfelt Shadowplay celebrates the often political actions of queers in publicly displaying affection for each other. It explores notions of anxiety around openly performing acts of affection – a potent issue in this land where self-censorship is often practiced by queers keen to avoid the threat of violence. For some the work becomes a secluded space for engaging in acts of passion. For others, determined to remain visible while displaying their love, it becomes a protest piece.