Welcome to the Jungle is a full body experience that explores the human fascination of wearing animal prints as a form of expression, while in nature it is a tool for survival. Animals have developed these prints through generations to serve their biological purposes. Some, like the poisonous tree frog, use their shocking colors to alert others that they are poisonous and to attract a mate. Others, like ocelots and jungle cats, use their spots to lurk in the shadows and catch prey. 

Through the interaction, people step into the world of these animals, mimicking their patterns to see them as their intended purpose to create a greater sense of connection and understanding to nature.  The animal footprint buttons on the ground to trigger both camouflage experiences: stay hidden or stand out. The ocelot print populates spots while the poison frog changes its bright colors. These patterns are reflected onto each person’s silhouette and projected in front of them.

Wolfe and Lisa were inspired by the capabilities of pattern-making in generative art and wanted to bring that across physically and digitally. The patterns were generated in Processing, a Microsoft Kinect was used as an infrared detector, and a Makey Makey device helped port out computer keys into big animal print buttons.