{ Nova Arcane Oracle: Elemental OS [Beta] }
Jenny and Pocoyo (2025)
HD Video
Nova Arcane Oracle, 2024, installation front view in MA Summer Show
#conceptNova Arcane Oracle is a cyber witchcraft installation that blends Eastern and Western divination practices. It reimagines fortune-telling in the digital age, combining Taoist medicinal beliefs with Western herbal magic to transform traditional divination culture in innovative ways. This piece explores the randomness inherent in fortune-telling and delves into the potential of alternative healing methods. It critically examines whether the randomness and choices of machines can truly replicate the depth and authenticity of traditional spiritual practices and facilitate healing. This duality invites viewers to question the true efficacy of cyber healing and consider the implications of merging ancient wisdom with artificial processes.
#inspiration{Eastern Influence} : Taoist practice of drawing medicinal sticks at the Baosheng Emperor Temple. People seek ‘divinatory prescriptions’ for physical ailments through Chinese medicinal herb prescriptions.
{Western Influence} : Occult herbal magic, which highlights the spiritual healing properties of plants and divination practices of tarot card reading.
#experienceThe installation creates a techno-religious atmosphere through four herbal AI fairies, each embodying a classical element (earth, water, fire, air), functioning as cyber spiritual guides. An accompanying set of oracle cards - drawn and revealed by the audience - unveils the magical properties of herbs. These cards are written in 'code poetry' form and visually represent how these characteristics can be utilised for healing and guidance, bridging the gap between the virtual and real worlds for the audience.
#interactionThe audience participates by drawing cards from the random card dispenser machine. Using their smartphones to tap the NFC chips embedded in the card, the audience can receive personalised divination results from herbal divination - in upright or reversed meanings.
*Credits for AI collaborators: ChatGPT, Midjourney, Runway, Stable Audio
Projection film of Nova Arcane Oracle
Close-up of the random card dispenser machine. The device is adorned with lightweight clay and crystals, and spray-painted silver to enhance its aesthetic and futuristic representation.
Close-up of projection mapping on eco-printed fabrics. The film is a three-channel screen featuring four elemental fairies, with coded poetry depicting the corresponding functions of four herbs.
In this interactive installation, audience participation is key. By turning the knob, the machine dispenses a card embedded with an NFC chip. The audience can then scan the card with their phone, which connects them to an interactive website designed for the installation. On the site, they will receive a random divination result, enhancing the immersive experience.
The website accommodates eight herbal cards, with both upright and reversed meanings and affirmations.