Previously, I witnessed the unexpected fusion of both cutting edge technology and innovative art at the Singapore Science Centre. For those who missed out on the post, you can review it here. The Explore Singapore!’s publicity brochure promised that DAT (Digital Art & Technology Exhibition) will enable you to “discover a new perspective in the way you visualise the world”. In fact, I feel that this is an understatement of the vast potential in this exhibition.

The truth is: It blew my mind away.

Figures drawn with ink come alive! This installation, Drawn, animates the different entities being drawn on paper on the spot. The real time image that users have drawn, is transformed into a digital image. On a screen, the entities will react with a variety of behaviors to the movements of your hand. See the video to witness its prowess.

A music genie in a bottle – These MusicBottles in the demo video below act as containers for visitors to turn on music when they lift the lids. With special electromagnetic tags in the lids of the bottle and a custom table, music of different genres ranging from jazz, techno to classical, can be created as each bottle ‘contains’ tunes by different instruments. A useful adaptation of it can allow non-media savvy users to access useful digital information such as weather forecast reports, at just the lifting of a lid.

(Now you hear it, now you don’t – Remember to turn on your speakers.)

Photos simply do not do justice to this installation – Last Clock, which completely revolutionizes the concept of timekeeping. Complete with an hour, minute and second hand (as presented by the white short strips between the concentric circles on the left image), the clock periodically traces images taken from a live video feed and condenses each image taken over the last 12 hours. The result is an easy-to-read mandala of archived time.

This is the effect produced from tracing, condensing and consolidating the images of the skies from dusk till dawn till day over 12 hours. It has certainly put a face to the concept of time. A heavenly beauty indeed!


Relax in between the excitement of the various exhibits, at the ‘Animations on demand’ zone, and enjoy short animations with the help of a projected menu on a tabletop. Some of the sensory technology, such as flipping through a virtual book/menu, are increasingly being adapted in museums too.
Regretfully, I missed out Gulliver’s World, which according to the guide, was extremely popular! With its high level of interactivity, visitors can create their own fantasy world. The sheer amount of exhibits and possibilities in this event warrants not just a visit, but two!

Digital Art & Technology Exhibition (DAT) is part of Explore Singapore! which happens from 10 November 2007 to 31 December 2007. For more information on Explore Singapore!, visit www.museums.com.sg/explore or call 62214463.