The Midnight Alley is a final year exhibition by the students of DDM212. This exhibition delves into the depths of fear and explores its psychological effects and impact on mental health. The event showcases immersive horror experiences filled with eerie interactions and jump-scares, shedding light on social and mental issues from various perspectives. Check out the recap video of the Day 1 launch below!
It was intense isn’t it? DDM212 consist of six students with great teamwork spirit. They’ve transformed the 4th floor of Dasein Academy into a haunted alley by resetting the entire mood with lighting props and sound to create an whole new immersive experience the moment visitors came out from the lobby lift.
What is most impressive is that they manage to attract and estimated of ~400 unique visitors during the first week of launch! Over the span of 2 weeks, the exhibitions has attracted not just students and staff within Dasein Academy, but also industry players, community and students from other university such as Sunway University and Malaysia Institute of Art.
Digital Media students from Sunway University have taken the initiative of visiting the Midnight Alley exhibition to learn and share knowledge together. On the last day of the Midnight Alley exhibition, we were visited by students from the Malaysia Institute of Art!
Here are the previews of the six exhibitions from The Midnight Alley
The Midnight Alley | Interactive Website by Loh Hui Yi
Loh Hui Yi is an innovative UI/UX designer with a passion for visual storytelling through web design. She developed a website to facilitate the entire exhibition, incorporating a booking and navigation system. However, she believed that merely showcasing a website on a laptop or mobile phone within the exhibition space lacked excitement. As a solution, she opted to use a hand-tracking sensor, Leap Motion, and project the website onto a wall, transforming the wall into an interactive touch screen. This method also enables her to incorporate sound jumpscare elements along with auditory sensory experiences, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves and gain an exceptional firsthand understanding of the exhibition.
Dark Descent | Interactive Sensory Experience by Bernice Lee Kah Wai
Bernice Lee is an adventurous interactive designer, often overwhelmed by her innovative ideas. For her installation, she decided to construct a haunted house tailored for the visually impaired. How does that work? Curious, isn’t it? While what typically comes to mind in a haunted house are jumpscares and scary visuals, Bernice raises a compelling question: What invokes fear in the visually impaired? Her goal is to raise awareness of the struggles and fears faced by the visually impaired in their daily lives.
In her haunted house, she engages different types of sensory experiences, from touch and sound to light. Yes, light (fun fact: did you know that not all visually impaired individuals see complete darkness? They can still perceive some forms of light). Using Arduino and various sensors, she enables the audience to trigger different sensory outputs, surprising and engaging them. Many screams were heard emanating from the booth, audible even from another floor.
Doors | Virtual Reality Experience by Chan Ann Ni
“Doors” is a Virtual Reality project by Chan Ann Ni, designed to allow the audience to immerse themselves in the exhibition space through another world using VR technology. Chan Ann Ni specializes in 3D and video production, and she utilises her skills to design immersive virtual surroundings to engage the audience fully. “Doors” has successfully achieved its goal of reflecting the theme of the event, challenging the audience to confront their fears and understand how psychology can impact one’s experiences. Many screams were heard from her booth, indicating the intense engagement and impact of her work. Thankfully, nobody wet their pants.
Toys Terror |Augmented Realisty (AR) Experience by January Lim Jia Yin
“Toy Terrors” is an Augmented Reality (AR) experience installation created by Lim Jia Yin, whose passion is bringing inanimate objects to life. She has carefully designed a physical setup to resemble a child’s room, complete with mood lighting to create an immersive atmosphere. Utilizing AR technology, she enables users to interact with content within a mixed reality environment. As a 3D designer at heart, Jia Yin delights in working with 3D animations and modeling, focusing on making them interactive to engage the audience effectively. Her installation not only showcases her technical skill but also her ability to blend technology with storytelling, inviting visitors to experience a familiar space transformed into an interactive adventure of animated wonders. Through “Toy Terrors,” Jia Yin turns everyday toys into characters of an engaging narrative that unfolds around the audience in real-time.
Nightmare Clowning |Interactive Motion Design by Stella Pua Pei Ling
Have you ever heard of coulrophobia? Coulrophobia is the fear of clowns, which many people believe is not a real psychological fear. This misconception is precisely the point Stella Pua Pei Ling aims to address. She herself is fond of clowns and was surprised to discover that some individuals have a genuine fear of them. Motivated by this, she decided to delve deeper into coulrophobia. Her objective is to educate and raise awareness about this uncommon phobia.
Stella Pua is a talented motion designer with a passion for character design and animation. In her project, she employs motion design to animate her own clown characters and creates an interactive projection mapping by using a projector and touch sensors. This setup allows the audience to interact directly with her animations, providing an engaging and educational experience. Through her work, Pua Pei Ling seeks to bridge the gap between fear and understanding, using her artistic skills to bring a new perspective on coulrophobia.
The Slaughter House | Interactive Illustration by Sky Wong Wei Jung
Sky Wong is a creative illustrator with a passion for bringing his drawings to life, specializing in creating illustrations with soul. He has always been a huge animal lover, with a particular fondness for cats. In fact, his love for cats surpasses almost everything else. Have I also mentioned that he loves cats a lot?
In his project, Sky Wong aims to raise awareness about the issue of animal poaching and to discourage the purchase of poached products. Aligning with the theme of Fear in this exhibition, he has crafted eerie illustrations of poached animals to enable the audience to feel the pain and fear these animals endure. Sky Wong uses props and sensors to immerse the audience in the memories of these poached animals, allowing them to visualize the different stages of suffering these animals go through.
In conclusion, this exhibition has been a tremendous success, attracting attention from students, industry professionals, and potential high school students with a keen interest in Digital Media. The event and exhibition’s success can be attributed to the exceptional teamwork and synergy among the team members. Their collaborative efforts have not only showcased their individual talents but also highlighted the collective strength and creativity of the group. This synergy has been a key factor in creating an engaging and impactful exhibition that resonates with a diverse audience, setting a benchmark for future events in the field of Digital Media.
And lastly, the team would like to thank everyone who has visited and supported The Midnight Alley.
Echoes of the Mind: A Journey Within is the first collaborative art exhibition with Digital Media & Fine Art programme. Digital Media students had the opportunity to craft digital art installations as fine art pieces, aiming to convey a powerful message of the theme, ‘memory’.
Video credit: Yap Wai Leong
Sincerest thanks to Bakat Mahasiswa for graciously funding this project and Mr. Kim Ng from Fine Art Department for providing the opportunity for the Digital Media students.
A big thanks to everyone who came to explore how memories, legacies, and life experiences can shape our self-conception, motivation, and perspectives through the creative and contemplative expressions of our students in this meaningful art exhibition of sculptures, installations, and video projections.
We were also extremely fortunate to have Abdul Shakir from Filamen to visit our exhibition. His visit meant a lot as he offered valuable feedback and advice to our students. He also shared in-depth knowledge about Digital Fine Art in Malaysia.
Special thanks to, Kim Ng, Kheng Wai Sei Hon, Xing Kai, Wai Leong & Mouz Chin for making this exhibition a successful one
Last September, Batch DDM211Â launched their final year exhibition called Natroverse. This exhibition was all about preserving nature, honoring tradition, and celebrating culture. Each student poured their heart into designing and building installations that embodied this beautiful theme. The event took place from September 12 to 25, 2023, and the reception was unbelievable! Here’s a recap video of the exhibition.
The event turned out to be a huge success, drawing in not just fellow students and lecturers but also industry experts eager to witness the installations. What made it even more special was the presence of notable guests: YB Teresa Kok and YB Tuan Ng Sze Han honored the exhibition with their visit during the 28th Dasein Grand Opening, adding to the excitement and motivation of the participating students.
Natorverse was a collection of five remarkable installations.
Point Odyssey by Mouz Chin
This interactive installation aims to raise environmental awareness through immersive visual representations. It creates a surreal landscape and prompts reflection on our relationship with nature often overlooked despite its proximity. The beauty of the forest and nature are preserved through digitalisation by reconstructing the forest by using point clouds. The installation allows scenes within the landscape to be disrupted by people’s movements. The concept illustrates how the seemingly gentle touch of human hands has the potential to harm and destroy the natural environment, especially forests.
Kancil Award 2023 -Digital Craft – Interaction Design (Bronze)
Cultural Magician by Wee Jun Jie
Cultural Magician is an audiovisual installation that showcases the sounds of traditional musical instruments from different ethnic backgrounds. It is combined with sounds, foods, and technology. It is a celebration of culture, innovation, and the power of sensory engagement. It invites visitors to connect with the country’s heritage in a way that transcends traditional boundaries, creating an appreciation impression for Malaysia’s diverse sound patchwork.
Kancil Award 2023 – Best Use of Cultural Insights (Bronze)
Draw Fantasia by Tan Ivan
The concept is to encourage people to express their creativity by colouring in paper representations of five endangered Malaysian animals. This hands-on activity fosters an emotional connection, and when the drawings are scanned, the memory of the experience is enhanced
ClimaIslet by Low Zhong
Climaislet is an immersive floor projection mapping installation that incorporates captivating, visual elements, and interactive features, all seamlessly operated through a leap motion controller. The project envisions an island plagued by pollution and grappling with environmental challenges. It seeks to promote education, raise awareness and emphasise the detrimental impact of industrial pollution on the environment.
EcoTraits by Shawn Wong
EcoTraits offers an engaging experience through an interactive personality test. Users can take the test on a platform, answering questions to uncover their personality traits. Once they finish, a sequence of animation and laser scanning effect will reveale a flower that symbolises their unique personality through an animated presentation.
Each installation not only captured the essence of the theme but also sparked conversations about the importance of preserving our natural world and honoring our rich cultural heritage.
Natorverse wasn’t just an exhibition—it was a celebration of passion, creativity, and the profound connection between humanity and our environment. The impact of this showcase will undoubtedly linger, inspiring future students and visitors to continue exploring, cherishing, and protecting our planet and traditions.
In the realm of innovative and immersive experiences, “SnowSense” stands out as a remarkable interactive projection mapping project. Developed by batch DDM203 – OneShot Production, this extraordinary project not only captivates viewers but also aims to cultivate empathy for Arctic wildlife and raise awareness about the urgent climate crisis. Let’s delve into the captivating world of “SnowSense” and explore how it merges cutting-edge technology with environmental messaging to inspire action.
A Mesmerizing Arctic Landscape: “SnowSense” transports participants into an enchanting Arctic landscape using mesmerizing projection mapping techniques. As viewers enter the installation space, they embark on a journey that reveals both the awe-inspiring beauty and the delicate vulnerability of the Arctic ecosystem. “SnowSense” sheds light on the challenges faced by Arctic wildlife due to climate change and human impact. It paints a vivid picture of the struggles these creatures endure, eliciting an emotional connection and deepening the audience’s understanding of the urgency to address the climate crisis. By witnessing these struggles firsthand, viewers are prompted to reflect on the consequences of their choices and actions.
The interactive element of “SnowSense” plays a pivotal role in enhancing the emotional connection and understanding of the Arctic environment. Visitors can actively engage with the installation through touch-sensitive panels or motion sensors, triggering captivating visual and auditory responses. This interactive experience acts as a metaphor for the interconnectedness between humanity and the natural world. It invites viewers to contemplate their role in mitigating the climate crisis and instills a sense of responsibility.
By combining artistic expression, technology, and environmental messaging, “SnowSense” aims to inspire empathy and action. It serves as a powerful catalyst for viewers to reflect on their choices and consider the impact they have on the environment. The project urges individuals to embrace sustainability and compassion, encouraging steps towards a more sustainable future.
The Creative Process:
Watch the behind-the-scenes process here, showcasing the development of the ‘Snowsense’ from start to finish.
Behind the scenes, “SnowSense” utilises a combination of cutting-edge technologies. Projection mapping brings the Arctic landscape to life, while Arduino controllers enable precise animation and activation. 3D assets and interactions are crafted using Unity, while animation is designed in Adobe After Effects, C4D and Autodesk Maya. This fusion of technology and creativity results in an immersive experience that leaves a lasting impact on its audience.
“SnowSense” is not just an art installation; it’s a call to action. By immersing viewers in the captivating world of the Arctic, it aims to foster empathy, raise awareness, and ignite a sense of urgency to combat the climate crisis. As we reflect on the consequences of our choices, “SnowSense” challenges us to embrace sustainability and become guardians of our fragile planet. Let us heed this call, for a more compassionate and sustainable future lies within our grasp.
Kancil Award 2023 – Best Idea for Social Good (Bronze)
In a stunning display of creativity and technological prowess, a group of students recently organized an unforgettable event called “Geisha Hut Night” for their final project showcase. Held at the captivating Hut Sake Bar in Lalaport, this event aimed to bring exposure to the restaurant while pushing the boundaries of traditional dining experiences. Drawing inspiration from the omakase restaurant’s environment, Japanese culture, and cyberpunk aesthetics, the students seamlessly blended modernity with tradition, creating an evening that was both visually captivating and immensely enjoyable.
One of the highlights of the Geisha Hut Night was the mesmerizing projection mapping. The students expertly employed this cutting-edge technology to showcase the rich culture of Japan and highlight the branding of the restaurant. The fusion of traditional elements with cyberpunk aesthetics added a futuristic touch that perfectly complemented the venue’s ambiance. The meticulously designed motion graphics interacted seamlessly with the captivating wall art, immersing guests in a visual spectacle that transcended the boundaries of traditional restaurant events.
A Futuristic Dining Experience Taking the dining experience to the next level, the students introduced an interactive AR menu. By scanning markers on their tickets, guests were transported into a world where three-dimensional images came to life, accompanied by subtle animations and relevant text. This innovative approach not only added an element of excitement to the event but also served as a seamless connection to the overall theme. The AR menu provided a glimpse into the future of dining, where technology and culinary artistry merged harmoniously.
The Wall of Guest Comments Another standout feature of Geisha Hut Night was the interactive comment section. By scanning QR codes on their tables, guests were directed to a website where they could share their thoughts and feedback. These comments then magically appeared on the projected wall, creating a captivating display of real-time engagement. This interactive element further amplified the sense of community and allowed guests to actively participate in shaping the event. It was a testament to the students’ commitment to creating an inclusive and immersive experience for everyone present.
Omakase restaurants are not confined to traditional interiors. By combining innovative technology, modern performances, and a lively atmosphere, the event shattered preconceived notions and showcased a new side to the dining experience. It emphasized that enjoying a meal can be an adventure filled with excitement and entertainment. Geisha Hut Night offered a glimpse into a future where dining is not just about savoring exquisite cuisine but also about creating lasting memories in a dynamic and immersive setting.
Conclusion: The Geisha Hut Night event organized by these talented students left a lasting impression on all who attended. Through their mastery of projection mapping, interactive AR menus, and engaging wall comments, they successfully brought exposure to Hut Sake Bar while redefining the boundaries of traditional dining experiences. This fusion of tradition and cyberpunk innovation served as a reminder that dining can be an extraordinary journey, where technology and artistry blend seamlessly to create an unforgettable and immersive experience. The students’ remarkable final project showcased their creativity, technical skills, and vision for the future of dining, leaving us eagerly awaiting their next endeavor.
In a world constantly evolving with technological advancements, artist Hwa Shee Huei has embarked on a mesmerizing artistic journey, exploring the gradual assimilation of the digital realm into our everyday lives. Through a unique combination of physical and virtual platforms, Huei’s solo art exhibition takes viewers on a captivating three-year exploration of her own adaptation to the digital world. With a focus on colorful neon aesthetics and three distinct modes of visual experience, her art posters transcend traditional boundaries and offer a thought-provoking glimpse into the hidden coexistence of the digital and physical domains.
Neon-Inspired Environments Stepping into Hwa Shee Huei’s art exhibition is like immersing oneself in a vibrant dreamscape. Inspired by the allure of colorful neon lights, the artist has meticulously designed environments that stimulate the senses and create an atmosphere of intrigue. The exhibition space radiates with vivid hues, casting a warm glow that beckons viewers to explore the captivating fusion of art and technology.
An Artistic Evolution At the heart of the exhibition are three distinctive art posters, each offering a unique perspective on the assimilation of art into the digital world. These posters are not merely static displays but rather gateways to a multi-dimensional experience, enabling viewers to delve deeper into the artist’s vision.
Normal Eye Viewing: At first glance, the art posters appear as masterful compositions that can be appreciated in their own right. Huei’s exceptional talent shines through in her intricate use of colors, shapes, and textures, drawing viewers in and inviting them to explore the deeper layers of her artwork.
UV Light Glow: As viewers approach the posters with curiosity, a new dimension unfolds before their eyes. Under UV light, the neon-inspired elements on the posters come to life, radiating with a captivating luminosity. This transformative effect symbolizes the hidden presence of the digital realm, which subtly permeates our lives, waiting to be discovered.
AR Interactive Scan Poster: The pinnacle of Huei’s artistic exploration lies in the integration of augmented reality (AR) technology. By using a smartphone or tablet to scan the posters, viewers are transported into a realm where the physical and digital merge seamlessly. Virtual elements come alive, dancing alongside the tangible art, creating an immersive experience that challenges the boundaries between reality and the digital landscape.
Unveiling the Digital Coexistence Through her art exhibition, Hwa Shee Huei eloquently demonstrates how the digital world coexists with our physical reality, often unbeknownst to us. With each poster and interactive experience, she invites viewers to reflect on the gradual influence technology has on our daily lives, blurring the lines between the tangible and the virtual.
Hwa Shee Huei’s solo art exhibition is an enthralling testament to the transformative power of technology and its integration into the realm of art. Her neon-inspired environments, combined with the trilogy of art posters, provide a unique and multi-dimensional experience for visitors. By seamlessly blending the physical and digital worlds, Huei highlights the unnoticed presence of the digital realm and encourages us to embrace the evolving landscape of our digital age. Through her masterful artistry, Huei inspires viewers to pause and ponder the influence of the digital revolution on our perception of art and reality.
