Alien's Signal

Aalto University, 2025-10-19

Alien’s Signal is a 360° audiovisual installation that explores communication beyond human comprehension. Inspired by the film Arrival, the work reconstructs an alien language where sound transforms into visual form and visuals return to sound.

Outside the circular space, representing outer space, a performer identified as the “alien” speaks, generating dynamic patterns that change with amplitude and frequency. Using TouchDesigner and MediaPipe, the performer’s facial movements modulate the Wow! Signal sound in real time, turning facial expressions into alien sonic frequencies.

Inside the 360° environment, symbolizing Earth, the audience perceives only this evolving language. Although they cannot decode its meaning, they can feel its presence. The piece questions the limits of linguistic understanding and suggests that genuine connection may exist only through resonance, not translation.