Sifting Strands

Oskar Elek, Weston Mossman, Angus Forbes

View presentation:2022-10-19T00:00:00ZGMT-0600Change your timezone on the schedule page
2022-10-19T00:00:00Z
Exemplar figure, described by caption below
Sifting Sands brings bio-inspired patterns rooted optimal transport networks into the aesthetic visual realm.

The live footage of the talk, including the Q&A, can be viewed on the session page, VISAP Opening Reception (6:00pm-8:00pm) | -- Art Exhibit Location: Automobile Alley.

Abstract

Sifting Strands is an interdisciplinary art project which arose from a wider scientific collaboration between computational researchers and astrophysicists. Sifting Sands brings bio-inspired patterns rooted in optimal transport networks into the aesthetic visual realm. Through it we explore how compter-generated art and live audience can collaborate in the creative act. The core of this work is a generalized simulation of Physarum polycephalum which meaningfully reacts to music, video and scene depth information. The resulting computational graph is implemented in Touch Designer and has been adapted to live performances and interactive installations. Universally, our works bring their audience together by creating a mingling space around the computational artifact.