Jeffrey Roe: Stopping Time with Python: Building an Interactive Art Installation

Stopping Time with Python: Building an Interactive Art Installation Jeffrey Roe What happens when you mix sensors, projectors, and Python code to bring new life to an artwork? In this talk, I’ll share my journey of updating an older film-camera-based installation into a digital, sensor-driven interactive piece. The concept sounds simple: play a video, and stop it when someone is detected in front of the work. The challenge was figuring out how to make that happen on a tiny budget, in a way that would survive the demands of a gallery setting for years to come. I’ll walk through the technical decisions and unexpected challenges along the way: Using Python with VLC to control video playback via subprocess calls. Testing and comparing different sensors (ultrasonic vs PIR) and the trade-offs in detection fields, reliability, and user experience. The “last-minute crisis” of a failing projector and soldering composite video output just days before the opening. There were ups, downs, dead ends, broken hardware, and late nights. The final piece runs on a mix of Python scripts, sensors, and a little hardware magic. I hope people will leave the talk with practical insight into using Python for interactive installations—and maybe even some inspiration to say yes the next time an artist asks for help bringing their creative vision to life. Talk room 1 (400 people) Sat 11:55 am - 12:25 pm