“Observation Masks” is hosted externally on Barrett’s personal website and is also listed on the Global Game Jam Website.
CLICK on a mask image to explore the mask 3D model!
This is a collaborative project taking place from January 26 to February 1st. “Observations” of the world outside from various friends and families where collected by artist Katie Green over text, converted into 3D mask objects, and then collected into a website by digital developer Barrett Anderson. It ended up as more an interactive art gallery than a proper game.
The visual design of the masks are intended to reflect whatever people observed around them by simply stepping outside. We tend to consider our local environment to be familiar, and therefore boring; not worthy of much attention. By taking “commonplace” sights and imagining them as masks that strangers can “put on” to experience the observations, the goal is to elevate our perception of mundane daily life. Movies, video games, and vacation packages promise us “exotic” places; the new, rare and different is easy to admire. But what is actually new, rare, or different? This is a matter of perspective. To someone from a different continent, daily sights in your own neighborhood will likely seem exotic. The virtual world makes it easier than ever to share our sights, but it also competes with them for attention and affection. The goal of this project was to crystalize the mundane to create a space for reflection on what places and experiences we truly value. It is worthwhile to stop and appreciate what is around you. Thank you!