Together

by Kevin Dobbe

This project is an interactive video projection project created by Kevin Dobbe entitled: Together.  The project consists of 18’ x 40’ painted letters spelling the word “Together” which will be located in the vacant lot across from the WSU offices.  Two large video projectors will illuminate the white letters in the evenings.  A live video camera, aimed at the traffic in front of the installation, will be connected to a computer with software written by Kevin Dobbe which will combine the video input with images, text, and video loops that will illuminate the letters via the technique of “video mapping” allowing each individual letter  and base to become a functional 3D projection screen.  The motion of the viewers of the work (live traffic and pedestrians on the sidewalks) will be a part of the projection and will also control and have impact on the content of the projections.

The installation opens November 15 and run each evening through the beginning of the new year.

The concept of the work is to engage the viewers with a simple hope for contemplation of  Together, particularly in the time of national turmoil of the pandemic, elections, and civil unrest.  

About the Artist:

Kevin Dobbe is a new media artist and composer.  As the founder of the Rochester Community and Technical College’s Music Technology and New Media program, his areas of arts creation includes music composition, interactive multimedia, theatrical digital design, and creative arts computer coding.  

Kevin holds a Bachelor degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh; a Master of Music from Kent State University; and a PhD from the University of Minnesota.  

As a composer, he has been commissioned by diverse regional groups over the years including the Rochester Symphony, the Mayo Clinic, Rochester Civic Theatre, SEMYO, Rochester Honors Choir, Choral Arts Ensemble, and Minnesota Public Radio. 

Recent visual technology projects included projected set designs for the Rochester Civic Theatre’s: Shrek, Annie, and Jesus Christ Superstar.

In addition he has been the recipient of multiple public percent for arts commissions across the country including 5 interactive multimedia waterfalls for the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery on the UW-Madison campus; the WWHS Fine Arts Atrium in Washington DC; Century College in White Bear Lake, as well as multiple interactive media works throughout Rochester.  

Kevin has also had two featured interactive art exhibitions at the Rochester Art Center and has created interactive exhibitions for the Southern Theater and for the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis.  Kevin celebrates 36 years of marriage to Teresa Tolmie, the love of his life.

Find more of Kevin’s at KevinDobbe.com

Acknowledgements:

Thank you to Adam Salmi of Rochester Maker Clinic for fabricating this sculpture on a seemingly impossible timeline. Thank you to Ben Assef, Zac Barbierur, and Sean from Northern Sun Productions for logistics and technical support. Thank you to Jeannine Gangness and Tom Hill from Winona State University Rochester for hosting our the projectors in your space. Thank you to Traci and Hunter Downs for your enthusiasm and support. Thank you to Janice Daly and the Rosie Belle Performing Arts Theatre for granting us permission to install the sculpture on your lot.

Funds for the project are from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) funding, in partnership with the City of Rochester.

Photos by Choochoo-ca-chew