Communication: Graffiti Expressions

Graffiti can be found as far back as ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. But the modern version -- considered an illegal nuisance by some and a form of artistic expression by others -- dates to the 1960s, when a few artists began to paint their names, or "tags," on walls and subway trains in New York and Philadelphia. Graffiti creators from all eras share the human desire to leave a personal mark on their surroundings.

At Liberty Science Center’s 10-foot-long Graffiti Expressions wall, featured in the Communication gallery, you can indulge that desire without worrying about vandalism or property damage. Spray digital “paint” to create a character, design a symbol, or add your own tag. We'll save and display it for future visitors to see.

Demo: Try an online version

Video: See the Graffiti Expressions wall in action in this YouTube clip:


Your Challenge

Through Exhibit Commons, you can make an even bigger mark on our exhibit: Submit a program that determines how the “paint” on our graffiti wall behaves. You can customize the virtual graffiti system via a variety of programming languages.

Demo: See a sample of what you can do

Instructions

  1. Download a program. Decide which programming language you want to use and download the appropriate program package (coming soon).
  2. Modify the program. Start with the example provided and build interesting content and interactivity using standard programming techniques. (Note: Do not delete the “includes.” The “includes” enable communication between your program and the software installed at the exhibit computer.)
  3. Test your program. Run your program using the “runtime” software. Since you do not have the spray can interface to test your code, use your mouse to move the cursor and the “a, b, c, d, e and f” keys on your keyboard to simulate the spray can buttons.
  4. Send us your submission. Here's how. If you have more questions, please refer to the help file that comes in the program package.