Hypnocade : Art is a Game

deation

Hypnocade is based around a video synthesizer device called the Hypno, by Sleepy Circuits. This was the first piece of video art equipment I ever got, starting my journey into a novel art form and allowing me the freedom to play in ways I never before conceived. Now, five years later I have conceptualized myself as an artist and work with tools I did not imagine ever existed, owing in large part to this device and the inspiration I found in it. When I first got it, my thought was that I could join my friend’s band as visual accompaniment. Through the process of interacting with the medium, I realized what I was doing was "art."

During one session of play with a good friend, it was suggested “what if the controls were bigger?” I owe a lot to that suggestion, as it spawned an exploration of possibilities that eventually resulted in the finished product. As I rolled it around in my brain I realized exactly what I was after: I wanted to be able to share this medium with everyone, not just my friends. I longed to provide folks an opportunity to engage in the playful video medium where I found myself as an artist. If I saw value and enjoyment in it, surely someone else would!

Glitch Circuit

A facet of the style of video art which I enjoy is commonly known as “glitch art”. This is a desyncing and screwing up of the video signal which results in textures that look as though you are seeing a much loved and worn out VHS tape, or 90s-era cable that just doesn’t work quite right. The most common way to create these textures is via circuit-bent hardware. Circuit bending is the art of modifying electronics to bridge connections which were never intended to be put together. Taking the output of one pin of a transistor or IC (computer chips), and with a combination of added resistance and capacitance connecting it to another pin.

For this circuit, I chose a consumer device from the early 2000s which is commonly available on eBay or in thrift stores. This device was intended to bypass early forms of S-VHS copy protection, but when sending non-protected sources it does nothing. As it contains multiple ICs and transistors, it provides the perfect base. I explored various connections component values, and arrived at four that fit my desired aesthetic outcome. These were wired up to four momentary arcade buttons, allowing a person to press a button and see the screen warble and waver in quality.

To facilitate translation of button or joystick presses into MIDI controls, I had to decide what facets of the device I wanted to control and then program an Arduino single board computer to send the correct codes. I knew I had limitations in this area, as the built in controls are more extensive than what I had room for in a physically much larger arcade controller. I ended up being able to provide joystick and button controls for:

• Oscillator change, gain, rotation, hue, mirroring, and movement

• Feedback mode change, gain and color, depth

• Oscillator to feedback and feedback to oscillator interaction

• “Mod” buttons, to allow the controls to manipulate other parameters, for much deeper control possibilities

• A set of 16 presets, which I explored and determined ahead of cabinet installation

My first installation was at Fraim & Mortar for Rockford’s Fall Art Scene 2024, in the first weekend of October. I set it up with a projector using an external HDMI output, so that everyone walking through could see what it was displaying and watch what others were creating while giving room to those exploring the cabinet personally. During installation, one of the resident artists had his 3-year-old son with him, and “enthralled” doesn’t begin to capture this kid’s vibe. He was smitten, banging on the buttons and grabbing hold of the joysticks, often yelling out a resounding “YEAAHHHH!!!” when he was pleased with what he saw. I knew I had a hit if it could reach someone so young; this was exactly the reception I was looking for. His dad apologized profusely, but I assured him that the cabinet needed player testing, and if it could survive his child’s vigorous play, it would stand through anyone else’s play as well.

Post-installation

During the process of bringing my idea forth, creation and building, and rolling it out for display and play I was struck with the notion that this was only the beginning. I had so many more thoughts about the nature of what I had created, and so many more concepts that I have explored since I first found my chosen medium of creation. As a video artist, I play with color and shape, feedback, generative signal, static imagery, and a multitude of sources. I realized that bringing something to life as I had was a rewarding process and also a compelling one. I am motivated by the idea of providing a mechanism to others which affords them the opportunity to play as I do. It is a medium which rewards play, but is not known or available to many.

To that end, this original Hypnocade machine is only the first of many that I will be creating. I am already deep in the process of building my second machine which I intend to release at the 2025 fall Art Scene, to be based around a completely different video art concept but offer a similar level of interactive play. I have plans for several others which are in various stages of development as well. This feels to me as more than an art project; more than multi-faceted engineering and industrial design. It is a calling which found me in a state where I needed an outlet, with a mission to share a medium I feel so blessed to be able to explore.

I will be exhibiting the Hypnocade at FEED Media Art Center As my video art partners (Chroma Club) and I explore broadening our reach and scope in the Rockford area and surrounding region as well, we intend to find a permanent studio for ourselves where it will certainly be available as a permanent installation when not out on loan.

About the Artist

Jacob M. Roufa

Software Engineering Leader

I am a seasoned software engineer with two decades of experience delivering solutions across a wide range of industries and organization sizes. I lead through collaboration, context-gathering, and a systems-thinking mindset — believing that empowering people, applying sound engineering principles, and aligning efforts with business goals can drive meaningful, scalable impact. I strive to bridge technical execution with strategic vision, helping teams not only solve complex problems but also elevate engineering culture across the organization.