Interactive Art Installation Transforms Historic Carousel

The visionary art collective Luminous Abstract will transform Asbury Park’s historic Carousel Building into an immersive multimedia environment titled “Memory Palace” on June 20, 2025, as part of the North 2 Shore Festival. The installation combines projection mapping, reactive camera systems, and interactive technology to create a responsive dreamscape where visitors’ movements and actions directly influence the evolving audiovisual environment around them.

Created by artists John Krajewski, Grant Bouvier, and Richie Brown, the experience reimagines the iconic circular space as a dynamic realm where reality and imagination merge through cutting-edge technology, transforming passive observers into active participants whose presence shapes the collective sensory journey.

Carousel Building Becomes Immersive Canvas

The Asbury Park Carousel Building, located at 104-108 Asbury Avenue, provides an ideal architectural vessel for this ambitious installation. The historic structure’s circular form and distinctive interior create a unique spatial experience that the artists have leveraged to develop a fully immersive environment where traditional boundaries between viewer and artwork dissolve.

“The Carousel Building’s architecture offers this extraordinary canvas for immersive work,” said festival arts director Thomas Klein. “Its circular format naturally guides movement through the space while creating these spectacular surfaces for projection mapping. The historical significance adds another dimension to the experience, with contemporary technology animating a structure that has witnessed generations of Asbury Park’s evolution.”

According to North 2 Shore Festival organizers, the installation transforms the iconic space into “a mesmerizing realm where worlds and senses collide through light, sound and interactive technology.” This reimagining of the space maintains connection to its historical significance while creating an entirely new experiential opportunity.

Visitor Interaction Creates Evolving Experience

Unlike traditional static artworks, “Memory Palace” features sophisticated technological systems that respond dynamically to visitor presence and actions. Through reactive camera installations and motion sensors, the environment continuously evolves based on how participants move through and engage with the space, creating a unique experience that changes throughout the day.

“This installation makes visitors essential co-creators rather than passive observers,” explained Sarah Thompson, programming director. “Your movements trigger ripples through the projected environments, your physical position influences sound elements, and interactive stations allow direct manipulation of visual components. The result is an environment that feels alive and responsive.”

This participatory approach democratizes the experience while ensuring that each visitor encounters something slightly different based on their individual choices and the collective energy of others in the space. The installation can be enjoyed on multiple levels—as a spectacular visual environment for casual visitors or as a more deeply interactive experience for those who choose greater engagement.

Artist Collective Blends Technology and Creativity

Luminous Abstract, the artist collective behind “Memory Palace,” consists of three creative technologists with complementary skills spanning visual art, sound design, and interactive programming. John Krajewski, Grant Bouvier, and Richie Brown combine traditional artistic sensibilities with technological expertise to create works that explore the creative potential of emerging technologies.

“These artists represent a growing movement that views technology as an expressive medium rather than just a tool,” noted Maria Sanchez, festival director. “They’re creating experiences that wouldn’t be possible through traditional artistic approaches alone, while maintaining the emotional and conceptual depth that distinguishes meaningful art from mere technical demonstrations.”

According to New Jersey Stage, this interdisciplinary approach characterizes many of the festival’s innovative programming choices, which aim to highlight work that exists at the intersection of established artistic traditions and emerging technological possibilities.

Installation Explores Memory Through Technology

The installation’s title, “Memory Palace,” references the ancient mnemonic technique where individuals mentally associate information with specific physical locations to enhance recall. This conceptual framework informs the artistic approach, with technology creating environments that evoke memory’s subjective, fragmented, and emotionally resonant nature.

“The installation explores how memory works—not as a perfect recording but as this constantly shifting construct influenced by emotion, perspective, and external input,” explained collective member John Krajewski. “The reactive nature of the technology parallels how memories transform based on our current state and surrounding influences.”

This conceptual depth distinguishes “Memory Palace” from purely spectacular light shows, creating an experience that engages visitors intellectually and emotionally while delivering striking visual impact. According to The Jersey Shore Girl, this balance between accessibility and artistic substance characterizes many of the festival’s more experimental offerings.

Installation Welcomes All Ages and Backgrounds

While conceptually sophisticated, “Memory Palace” is designed to be accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. The installation creates multiple layers of experience that can be appreciated regardless of technological understanding, artistic background, or previous exposure to interactive art.

“We’ve created an experience that functions simultaneously as a vibrant playspace for children, a social experience for groups, and a contemplative environment for those seeking deeper engagement,” said collective member Grant Bouvier. “The technology adapts to different interaction styles, allowing each visitor to find their own meaningful connection.”

This inclusive approach aligns with the festival’s broader commitment to programming that welcomes diverse audiences while maintaining artistic integrity. The installation’s placement in a high-traffic area near the Asbury Park boardwalk further enhances its accessibility to visitors who might not typically seek out experimental art experiences.

Event Details and Visitation Information

“Memory Palace” opens at 7:00 PM on Friday, June 20, at the Asbury Park Carousel Building, with additional viewing hours from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday, June 21-22. Admission is free with suggested donations supporting future public art initiatives in Asbury Park.

No reservations are required, though capacity limits will be enforced for optimal experience quality. Visitors may experience brief waits during peak hours but are welcome to cycle through the installation multiple times if desired. The venue is wheelchair accessible with accommodations available for visitors with mobility considerations.

Additional information about this and other North 2 Shore Festival events can be found on the festival’s official website, which includes comprehensive details about performances and installations across all three host cities during the two-week celebration.