Ryoji Ikeda

The first of Ryoji Ikeda's Test Pattern versions I watched was the installment at Ruhrtriennale. The first thing I noticed was that it was a spectacular consonance of visual and audio elements. The floor display was not only a visual spectacle for the audience but it also invited participation. It was very interesting watching how different people responded to the floor animation. The sound seemed to be very important to the vibe of the entire experience. The chaotic noises resemblant of rapid fire weapons or loud machinery fit perfectly to the seizure inducing flashing animations. The floor setting seemed like a place where people could participate and really let go. 
       The time square version was obviously different in that it was less participative, but I thought it was even more interesting. The glitchy-animated screens taking over several giant Times Square displays inspired ideas of a science fiction crisis. Being the icon that NYC is, the feeling of it being taken over by this display made me feel like the vibe was very chaotic. Chaos is the string that holds both installations together in my opinion because that vibe was consistent for me for both videos. 
       As a sound art piece these impressed with very complex noises that shifted and were rarely predictable. I loved that the noises were coupled with visual representation, I think that gave the sound a stronger presence and accentuated its vibe.