GAZE TO THE STARS

The stars capture my dreams

My eyes tell their stories

March 12-13-14, 2025

ABOUT

What if the MIT Dome could look back at us—sharing dreams, revealing untold stories of struggle and triumph? Inspired by the motto "Per ardua ad astra"—"Through difficulties to the stars"—this project transforms the Dome into a living canvas, reflecting the resilience and aspirations of those who have shaped, or been shaped by, the MIT experience. The Dome "looks back" through video close-ups of participants' eyes gazing at the stars, symbolizing shared human aspirations and dreams. Accompanied by coded visualizations of personal stories, the installation challenges conventional notions of success, instead emphasizing resilience, vulnerability, and the often-unspoken narratives of failure and transformation.

Stories will be collected through immersive pods equipped with AI LLMs and computer vision, traveling across campus to invite participants to share their journeys of ambition, setbacks, and perseverance. In this mindful experience, individuals are encouraged to voice their dreams, feelings, struggles, and longings. As they recount their experiences, close-up videos of their eyes will be captured, merging their unique iris patterns with representations of stars—just as we all look to the sky to dream. Their spoken words will then be translated into a coded language and projected inside their eyes.

This project is presented as part of Artfinity, an Institute-sponsored event celebrating creativity and community at MIT.

POD DESCRIPTION

Step into the immersive storytelling pod and position your face within the viewing area, gazing into the infinity room. As you look inside, you will hear voices from the MIT community sharing their dreams, struggles, longings, and emotions—stories of ambition, resilience, and transformation.

After listening, you’ll be invited to share your own story. Part of the experience is AI-moderated, guiding you with reflective prompts to explore your aspirations and challenges. Your personal information will remain anonymous and will not be shared with any third parties.

This experience contributes to an art project, adding your voice to a collective narrative projected onto the MIT Dome. Your participation brings this vision to life, transforming personal reflections into a shared artistic expression.

* We record close-up of your eye and transcription of your story. We do not record any audio data. We do not share your personal information, including your name or email address, with any third party.

POD LOCATIONS

Click here to

schedule a session

We are open at the Media Lab Lobby on March 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 8th. On March 6th, we will be at MIT Lobby 10. You are welcome to walk in, but priority will be given to those who schedule in advance. Feel free to come by anytime during your scheduled block. Please note that each individual experience takes approximately 3 minutes. We appreciate your patience!