Installation artist CHiKA paid a visit to the lab yesterday. She gave an introduction to projection mapping, the technique for projecting video patterns to match the contours of real-world objects.

This is a technique CHiKA often uses in her artworks. The method she uses is based on combining the powers of two different software packages, along with a projector and a laptop.

The first software is Modul8, a VJing and video-mixing package. The second is MadMapper, a tool which allows you to define how the video from Modul8 will match the contours of real-world objects.

To learn more, you could attend one of CHiKA's Mappathons. They are a bit like hackathons but for projection mapping - an intensive learning and creative experience, with a built-in exhibition opportunity.

We took a look at CHiKA's portfolio for inspiration, and checked out video of recent interactive work. In one work CHiKA uses leap motion to control long LED strips and Japan-inspired sound effects - check out the video to get a sense of her ouvre.