{Digital Storyteller}

/Solar Mood/

I explore the connection between weather and the emotional state of people in different Russian cities.
The project was presented in Kazan at the NUR International Media Art Festival, and in Gatchina at the "Night of Light" International Festival of Light Art.

Sunlight stimulates the production of serotonin, often called the "happiness hormone," while its deficiency is linked to depression. Using data on the number of clear, cloudy, and overcast days, I created a visualization that reflects this relationship. As a means of visual expression, I chose a sphere composed of numerous points. It symbolizes both the sun and a person's inner state, shaped by weather conditions. The viewer literally sees what happens to the mood of a city's residents and visitors depending on the amount of sunlight (serotonin).

The yellow color represents sunny days, the gray-blue represents cloudy days, and the dark blue represents overcast days. The content and mood of the sphere evolve, reflecting the varying ratios of these day types and creating a unique emotional map for each season. It is a dynamic map of states, allowing one to see how nature invisibly weaves itself into our emotions.

Understanding the impact of sunlight on mood is crucial, as it helps people better comprehend the causes of their emotions and take steps to maintain a positive mood on days with less sunlight.