Digital Canvas Initiative

The Aurora, created by engineer Greg Friedland, is a huge 4×8 foot LED display controlled by an iPad. Friedland uses an app called TouchOSC to control the color palette, pattern, and speed of 16 million different colors to illuminate a space. The Aurora shouts phrases at people passing by and colors dance along to music tempo. He built the wall from scratch, intending it as a project for his own home until the Aurora’s debut in an annual festival called Burning Man in Black Rock City. Friedland gave his trippy visuals mobility by strapping the wall to the side of his camp car named “Strangelove.” Each year artists and art enthusiasts journey from around the world to make their way to Black Rock Desert. Visitors are encouraged to take part in the art installations and to celebrate being unique individuals.