Designed for hospital of emotions open callCardia: Purrfect Offering is an interactive installation centered on exchange, presence, and human affection for cats.
Visitors place a finger on a pulse sensor to offer their heartbeat, activating a monumental glowing cat figure inspired by Bastet. In response, the sculpture emits a synchronized purr—felt as vibration and sound—creating a brief, intimate loop between human rhythm and sculptural presence. The interaction is private, non-recorded, and lasts only as long as the visitor remains present, returning the work to stillness once the connection ends.
How it works
Touch to begin: The visitor places a finger on a Bluetooth pulse oximeter, offering their live heartbeat.
Signal processing: An ESP32 microcontroller receives the biometric data in real time and translates it via custom software.
Light response: The sculpture’s internal glow intensifies and subtly modulates in sync with the visitor’s pulse.
Sound response: A low-frequency purring sound activates—emerging from the sculpture and surrounding speakers—to create a felt, ambient vibration.
Ephemeral by design: No data is stored or recorded; when the finger lifts, light and sound fade back to stillness.
