INTERVIEW Khadouja Tamzini
PUBLISHED 02. FEB 2025
OBK is an emerging artist whose practice explores the intersection of new technologies and human sensory experiences. Engaging both touch and sight, OBK creates interactive works that invite the audience to observe and physically engage with the artwork. Focused on movement and frequencies, his projects challenge perceptions, altering how we experience the world around us. By manipulating perspectives and sensory interactions, OBK’s work expands the audience’s understanding of their environment and the objects within it.
// What is interesting about joining a light and media art project in Luedenscheid ?
Lüdenscheid has a rich tradition as the “City of Light,” making it a natural stage for light and media art. The opportunity to contribute to this legacy is both exciting and humbling. Being part of LICHTROUTEN allows me to connect my work to a city that has embraced light not only as a cultural element but as part of its identity.
// Why did you agree to join this year’s LICHTROUTEN edition?
The theme resonates deeply with my artistic practice, which often revolves around energy, motion, and interaction. LICHTROUTEN also provides the chance to reach diverse audiences in a public setting, pushing my work to be accessible and engaging for people with different backgrounds.
// How does the context of LICHTROUTEN inform your piece? Are there local elements or aspects you’ve incorporated?
I drew inspiration from the industrial heritage of the region, imagining how light has played a role in shaping the community over time. I’ve also incorporated the theme of “New Energies” by using interactive technologies like Kinect, symbolizing the city’s future-facing approach while rooting it in its past.
// Can you walk us through your creative process for this artwork, from initial ideas to the concept to the final execution?
The process began with research on Lüdenscheid’s cultural and architectural history. I then brainstormed ways to visually represent energy flows, inspired by celestial phenomena like solar flares or galaxies. Using TouchDesigner and Kinect, I developed a system where participants can interact with light, creating dynamic, energy-like visuals. Prototypes allowed me to refine the interaction, ensuring it’s intuitive and engaging. The final step involved testing the piece in a space similar to the installation site, fine-tuning for both aesthetics and technical reliability.
// How does this work relate to or depart from your broader artistic practice?
This work is a natural extension of my practice, as I often explore themes of energy, interaction, and immersive environments. However, it departs by being more site-specific, tailored to Lüdenscheid’s unique cultural context. The public setting also challenges me to create something universally engaging, without sacrificing conceptual depth.
// How do you approach creating art for public spaces? What unique challenges and opportunities does this present?
Creating art for public spaces requires balancing accessibility with artistic integrity. The challenge lies in designing something that resonates with diverse audiences while still carrying a strong, coherent concept. The opportunity, however, is immense public spaces offer a chance to surprise and delight people in their everyday environments, sparking new ways of thinking or simply bringing joy.
// How does your artistic practice engage with light and media as mediums? What drew you to work with these elements?
Light is a powerful symbol of energy, transformation, and connection. Media technologies like Kinect and TouchDesigner allow me to bring light to life, making it interactive and responsive. I was drawn to these mediums because they offer endless possibilities for creating immersive, multi-sensory experiences that engage both mind and body.
// What technologies are you employing in this work? How do they contribute to your artistic vision?
I’m using Kinect for motion tracking and TouchDesigner for real-time generative visuals. These technologies enable me to create an interactive, ever-changing installation where participants can “sculpt” light through their movements. This aligns with the vision of exploring how humans can interact with and influence energy systems.
// Looking ahead, how do you see light and media art evolving in response to our changing world? What future directions excite you in this field?
As technology advances, I see light and media art becoming increasingly immersive and sustainable. Artists will likely explore renewable energy sources to power installations, aligning with global efforts to address climate change. I’m particularly excited about the integration of AI and augmented reality, which could make light and media art even more interactive and personalized.
// How do you hope viewers will interact with or experience your work? What do you want them to take away from it?
I hope viewers feel a sense of wonder and empowerment as they interact with the piece, realizing their role in shaping the environment around them. The takeaway is that energy whether cosmic, technological, or human is dynamic and interconnected, and we all have the power to influence it.
// Are there any other artists or works in this year’s festival program that particularly resonate with you?
I’m particularly inspired by artists who explore the intersection of technology and human experience. I look forward to engaging with works that push the boundaries of light and media art, and I’m excited to exchange ideas with fellow participants.
// Do you have any recommendations for the audience?
Take your time exploring each piece, as light and media art often reveal deeper layers the longer you engage with them. Don’t be afraid to interact with the works—your participation often completes the experience. And, of course, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Lüdenscheid, as the city itself is a living canvas during the festival.