SONIA LI

ORCHID RORSCHACH

2016 | OPTICAL ILLUSION VIDEO / INTERACTIVE PROTOTYPE

Orchid Rorschach is a 15-minute optical illusion video made from mirrored orchid imagery and soothing nature backgrounds. The work focuses the eye on a mandala-like configuration of orchid forms, using symmetry, movement, and natural imagery to create a calming visual experience.

The project grew from my interest in the relationship between neurology and aesthetics, especially how visual environments might influence attention, emotional response, and cognitive engagement.

At the center of the work is an orchid mandala: a moving optical illusion created from layered orchid images and nature backgrounds.

The mandala-like structure is designed to hold visual attention, while the surrounding natural imagery creates a softer atmosphere. Rather than overwhelming the viewer, the work uses repetition, symmetry, color, and organic forms to create a slow, focused experience.

I later experimented with turning Orchid Rorschach into an interactive experience for elderly individuals living with dementia.

Using a prototype wand, participants could control the movement of the orchid mandala, transforming the video from a passive visual experience into a simple interactive activity. The goal was to encourage curiosity, attention, and engagement through gentle movement and visual response.

This interactive version remained at the prototype stage.

MULTISENSORY ROOM CONTEXT

Orchid Rorschach was entered into the NYU Stern Entrepreneur Challenge as part of a multisensory environment concept designed specifically for elderly individuals living with dementia.

The room design was a proposed environment, not a completed installation. Orchid Rorschach functioned as the visual projection component within that concept, alongside the prototype interactive wand.

The project was selected as a semi-finalist in the NYU Stern Entrepreneur Challenge.