Mirror of Emotion

2025
Kinetic Sculpture | Interactive Installation
460*460mm
Arduino, Stepper motor, P5js, Mirrored Acrylic, Vinyl fabric, Belt

"Mirror of Emotion" is an interactive installation that reflects the viewer’s emotional state through physical transformation. It uses a camera to detect facial expressions and responds by crumpling or unfolding a mirrored surface.

Inspiration

This project was originally designed for those who have lost their smile—whether due to a rough day or ongoing emotional struggle. It draws inspiration from the Facial Feedback Hypothesis, which suggests that facial expressions can influence emotional states. Smiling, even when forced, may help improve mood. Another influence is Amy Cuddy’s TED Talk “Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are,” which explores how posture and expression can reshape our inner mindset.

By combining this theory with a reflective surface, the Emotion Mirror invites users not only to see themselves but to interact with their own expression. Seeing one’s smile has a contagious emotional impact—it can comfort, encourage, or surprise.

Multiple Meanings

Over time, I realized that the mirror doesn't need to be explained to everyone. Left alone, it becomes a personal experience:

• A happy person might walk by and see the mirror open, without knowing why.
• Someone feeling down might only see a wrinkled surface, not realizing it’s a mirror meant to show their face.
• Someone looking for a mirror might find it closed and try to figure out how to open it—then discover that smiling is the key.

This project is as much about emotional interaction as it is about self-awareness. The mirror becomes a quiet observer, offering each person a unique reflection of their inner world—if only they choose to look.

Interaction Flow

• When a smile is detected, the mirror gently unfolds—revealing the viewer’s smiling face.
• When no smile is detected, it contracts and crumples like a piece of folded paper—distorting the mirror until the face disappears.

Installation

Making Process

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