Video Mapping, Sound Design & Scenography - Pol-Edouard Installation ("Popcorn" Exhibition)
Comprehensive creative engineering and technical execution for a digital trompe-l'œil installation with artist Pol-Edouard at MIMA for the Popcorn exhibition. An end-to-end immersive setup combining hand-painted artwork, projection mapping, a custom original soundtrack, and automated lighting control.
Context & Visitor Journey
- Full trompe-l'œil experience: Augmenting static painted canvas (a retro PC, indicator LEDs, and artwork triptych) without using any physical computer screens or real electronics.
- Custom audio-visual identity: Producing a tailored retro-gaming / synthwave soundscape seamlessly matched to the visual rhythm and animation loops.
- Sequential staging: Gallery lights fade out to trigger a simulated computer boot-up sequence rendered via video projection and synchronized audio cues.
Engineering & Methodology
- Composition & Sound Design: Creating a custom soundtrack (retro computer SFX, synthwave textures, apocalyptic pads) designed specifically for the exhibition acoustics.
- Micro-Mapping Calibration: Millimeter-accurate alignment to precisely target small painted details (millimeter-wide LEDs, buttons, monitor frame).
- Show Control & Audio/DMX Automation: Orchestrating the transition between room lighting dimming, video playback triggers, and master audio output.
Technical Breakdown
1. Soundtrack Composition & Audio-Visual Sync
Challenge: Build a dynamic audio identity that delivers strong narrative impact without causing listener fatigue over continuous daily playback.
Solution: Produced a custom original soundtrack (retro SFX, boot sounds, immersive synth pads) frame-synced to the video mapping triggers.
2. High-Precision Mapping on Painted Canvas & LEDs
Challenge: Simulate glowing, flickering LEDs on a computer chassis painted directly on canvas, with zero physical electronic components.
Solution: Isolated and mapped every painted LED individually on the projection mask to project dynamic light signals aligned with the painted texture.
3. 2D Motion Design & DMX Show Control
Challenge: Sync gallery spotlight dimming with system boot-up, sound playback, and triptych animation loop.
Solution: Centralized Show Control via DMX: smoothly dimming room spotlights while launching synchronized video and audio feeds in an autonomous loop.
Video credit: MIMA Museum | Photo credit: Pol-Edouard
Find Out More & Credits
Explore the artist's work on his official website: Pol-Edouard Official Site.
Learn more about the exhibition on the museum's website: Popcorn Exhibition - MIMA Museum.
Media Credits: Photos: Pol-Edouard - Video: MIMA Museum - Music & Sound Design: Crafteke.