Discover the magic of reactive visuals and sensor-driven storytelling in this hands-on Intro to Interactive Video in TouchDesigner workshop. Designed for artists eager to explore the intersection of light, motion, and code, this session will guide you through building dynamic video installations that respond to physical inputs using TouchDesigner.
You’ll learn how to use TouchDesigner—a powerful node-based visual programming tool—to create generative visuals and manipulate live video. Then, we’ll integrate real-world data using physics-based sensors (like motion, proximity, or pressure) to trigger and control visual effects in real time.
No prior coding experience required—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to experiment.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the TouchDesigner interface and build basic real-time video networks
- Explore the techniques to map physical sensor inputs to video manipulation and visual effects
- Gain insight into creating responsive public art installations and immersive environments
- Leave with a functional prototype and resources to further develop sensor-based projects
Who should attend:
Artists, designers, and creatives interested in merging physical computing with interactive video for public art, live performance, or experimental installations
LUNA Studio: Artist Training Series
LUNA Studio is a dynamic workshop series designed to equip artists with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to create interactive, tech-driven public artworks. The program is presented by Arts New Orleans as part of LUNA Fête, New Orleans’ annual festival of light, art, and technology. This series invites creatives from all backgrounds to step into the world of digital media, immersive storytelling, and responsive environments through accessible, hands-on learning.
Led by renowned artist and educator Gabe Barcia-Colombo, each workshop demystifies cutting-edge creative technologies—such as Unity, Touch Designer, and projection mapping—while emphasizing how these tools can amplify artistic vision and public engagement. Whether participants are curious about real-time 3D design, want to integrate physical sensors into their installations, or hope to transform architecture into animated canvases, LUNA Studio offers entry points for every level of experience.
By fostering creative experimentation and skill development, LUNA Studio supports the growth of a vibrant community of artists capable of shaping the future of public art in New Orleans and beyond. These workshops not only build technical confidence but also champion the power of light and technology to connect people, tell stories, and reimagine civic space.
Arts New Orleans has a limited number of MacBook computers available for workshop participants. In your registration, please let us know if you will need access to a laptop.
Cost: $20
If the fee presents a financial difficulty, please do not hesitate to reach out to Lindsay Glatz, Arts New Orleans Creative Director at Lindsay@artsneworleans.org for scholarship consideration.
About the Instructor:
Gabe Barcia Colombo is a Los Angeles–born and New York–based interdisciplinary artist whose work spans video sculpture, immersive performance, projection mapping, augmented and virtual reality, and installation. His art explores themes of memory, identity, and the digitization of human experience—often using playful yet poignant constructs like “DNA Vending Machines,” miniature video-encoded objects, and large-scale public commissions like New York Minute (Fulton Center) and Platform (Grand Central Madison).
Awarded two TED fellowships—one for Capturing Memories in Video Art (2012) and another for My DNA Vending Machine (2014)—Gabe’s work resides in the collections of LACMA and is regularly commissioned by institutions including the Victoria & Albert Museum, MTA Arts & Design, and The Neon Museum, where he served as Artist-in-Residence in 2021.
As an Associate Arts Professor at NYU Tisch’s Interactive Telecommunications Program, Gabe shares his expertise in interactive media, projection mapping, generative storytelling, and physical computing. He founded the groundbreaking pop-up gallery Bunker.nyc (later in Sotheby’s), earned Adobe and NYFA grants, and frequently leads workshops that empower artists to merge storytelling with code, sensors, and immersive technologies.
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