Motionscapes —the compositions of visual forms in motion—have often been used for the evocation of affects in recent interactive artifacts and environments. While the motionscape aesthetic can be informed by art theory and history, previous empirical work investigating the affective affordances of motionscapes brings new perspectives to the design language of motionscapes. The authors argue that motionscapes that are commonly employed in artistic contexts can be appropriated for the design space of human-computer interaction (HCI) as a rich modality for affective visualization. The authors propose an initial set of principles and guidelines for evoking affect through motionscapes in interactive and immersive environments.

The Living Canvas is a science/art/educational exhibit of artwork created by using the positioning of chloroplasts in leaf cells as an artistic medium and using light to control that medium. The work reveals the process of chloroplast movements as they occur in leaf cells and how those subcellular changes affect the optical properties of whole leaves to maximize photosynthesis. The works are designed to stimulate a sense of intrigue and awe to enhance the viewers’ awareness of plant life and their relationships with plants in their environment.