Virtual painting wall at TEDx Phnom Penh

What’s stopping you from being creative?

Warren Daly - calibrating the LCD

Warren Daly from Invisible Agent and Chhan Dina presented at this years TEDx in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The event combined live speakers with TED video screenings and discussions on the 15th of October 2011. Their presentation was entitled ‘The art of virtual obsolescence‘ and they displayed a working example of an interactive graffiti and painting wall constructed from recycled electronic equipment.

What is TEDx?

At a TEDx event, TEDTalks videos and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. This years event hosted 16 speakers covering topics such as global awareness, education, Khmer Unicode and more. There was live painting, spoken word and live music with participation from the audience. The event was streamed live on the web as part of the TEDx simulcast. Click here for more information regarding TEDx Phnom Penh.

Overcoming the barriers

Chhan Dina painting on a 2 meter wide digital canvas

Dina and Warren also encourage others to dream big and to overcome the barriers restricting their creativity. They shared experiences of how they overcame obstacles restricting them from creating digital art due to lack of access to resources. Chhan Dina painted live on a virtual painting wall that was made with seemingly obsolete equipment and a WiiRemote for less then $50 (US)

Build an interactive art projector using recycled equipment & a Wiimote

List of equipment

• A 15″ LCD monitor – $25
• GNU/Linux – Debian – Free
• Mypaint software – Free
• Nintendo WiiRemote – $20
• Infrared light and torch – <$3
• 3m 9100 – over head project (OHP) found on a pile of rubbish – Free

Full instructions including plans, photos and open source software coming soon!

The Team

Warren and Dina love to use their spare time teaching visual arts to underprivileged children and orphans in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. They are constantly dreaming of new and innovative ways to explore and create art and digital media.

Chhan Dina – Cambodia painter & sculptor

Dina Chhan works in a range of media, including painting and sculpture. Themes of life, music and everyday activities have captured her imagination over the past ten years.

Warren Daly – musician & visual artist

Excursions into man-machine integration has launched Warren headlong into the world of dynamic, engaging live electronics. He is always conjuring up larger and more extravagant ideas, so keep your ears and eyes peeled.