What are holograms?

Traditions and Locations: Post no. 5

"A hologram (pronounced HOL-o-gram ) is a three-dimensional image, created with photographic projection. The term is taken from the Greek words holos (whole) and gramma (message).

Unlike 3-D or virtual reality on a two-dimensional computer display, a hologram is a truly three-dimensional and free-standing image that does not simulate spatial depth or require a special viewing device. Theoretically, holograms could someday be transmitted electronically to a special display device in your home and business.

The theory of holography was developed by Dennis Gabor in 1947. The development of laser technology made holography possible."

Text above is ripped out from Here.

Alright, so from the essay point of view I could probably relate some theories of interaction and immersion from the audiences point of view when they observe holographic elements on stage, interacting with those holographic characters. Is the interaction between the real and the unreal, real enough for the audience to believe that it is real to be fully immersed with the performance in front of them?

Take the Gorillaz and Madonna performance for example. The characters and Madonna seem to be looking at each other on que, giving the performance a more believable outcome.

Hatsune Miku on the other hand is programmed to interact with the audience by asking them questions that has already been programmed by the programmers regardless if the audience answers her or not.

Which leads me to the next theory, the denotation and connotation to these holographic projections. I will be looking at this essay from the main theory of Mori, The Uncanny Valley which addresses more of the aesthetic values of these holograms and how people react to them.

The Uncanny Valley speaks of two main things. Functionality and Aesthetics. I have already spoken on the functionality of these holograms, through the Immersion and Interaction few paragraphs before this.

As I mentioned in my previous posts, this theory of Mori is most likely devised to categorize items according to their aesthetic values. It is based on a graph of reactions to human likeliness.