R.g.b is an experiential project in which participants are invited to interact with the surrounding environment mediated by the concepts of the RGB-color space, the color space commonly used in digital technology. In the initial project participants are asked to go on a color-walk (hyperlink this word to the page R.g.b-surveillance walk) through the city using a video camera to document one of the three colors, Red, Green or Blue. These clips are then inputted into a computer program, which surveys the footage, looking for the colors red, green or blue. This surveillance machine (hyperlink this word to the page R.g.b-surveillance machine) highlights what it ‘thinks’ is a close enough match to these colors. If it can’t find the specified color, the sound of the clip is heard.

This project was initially motivated by a specific question: Computers present us with a multitude of choices, but do they really provide the user freedom of choice? Increasingly, computers are becoming a black box accessible only to the “experts”. Consumers of these products are left with a set of choices. (hyperlink this phrase to the page set of choices) Choices that are predetermined by standards derived from average perceptual qualities quantified by programmers and the physical limitations of the hardware. This is precisely the case with the RGB-colorspace. Standardization of these colors is not the same for each individual’s perception of red, green and blue, thus leaving the consumer with color choices that are determined by principles of digital technology. These principles are not always clearly identifiable. The terminology used in the technology regarding color for example sharp, true-colors, or a choice of millions of colors clouds over the choices made in developing this technology.

R.g.b seeks to investigate the principles of digital color representation as determined by manufacturers and programmers. Does digital technology favor certain qualities of colors above others? Does the use of these technologies constrict, or confine in some way, our ability to interact with our environment? With this project I hope to tease the computer into showing its true colors.