Intersections - Nguyen Dang Binh

oredomresearch
biomes
22 inches x 22 inches x 6 inches
Computational time-based image
ARTIST STATEMENT
Vicky Isley and Paul Smith, collaborating as boredomresearch, build
observable phenomena of intrigue and beauty, using techniques
similar to those used by scientists to understand the natural world.
In their systems, the sensation or illusion of life is their key interest
rather than a desire to recreate life itself.
The biome works were developed after extensive research into computational
models used in the study of artificial life. The artists’ desire
is to implement these techniques in a way that explores properties
present in natural systems. They are interested in the diversity of
form and pattern that appear in natural systems, and how a similar
diversity can be produced using simple rules.
In the biome works, the bodies that inhabit their space appear as
both machine and organism. boredomresearch often think of these
artifacts as biological timepieces built with the production values
of early watchmakers whose skills were translated to the creation
of automata (mechanical life like forms driven by cogs). Here these
intricacies of engineering are translated to the computer with the tiny
cogs and chains replaced by computational mechanisms.
Since 2003, boredomresearch have been developing the relationship
between their computational work and the viewer. The biomes are
presented in the form of an object where the screen is visible through
a circular lens that has a foreshortening effect, bringing the image
surface level with the surrounding frame to subtlely but profoundly
change the viewing experience. In this form, the work is experienced
intimately because only a few people can view a biome at one time.
Electronic Art and Animation Catalog Art Gallery Artworks
CONTACT
Vicky Isley & Paul Smith
boredomresearch
80 langdown Road
Hythe Southampton SO45 6EQ
United Kingdom
siggraph@boredomresearch.net
www.boredomresearch.net/biome
TECHNICAl STATEMENT
A biome’s small circular window looks in on a vast sealed universe in
which you see a number of intricately patterned bodies going about
their business. Observing at length, you see an almost unlimited diversity
of form, colour, and pattern, as these creature-like machines
enter and leave the viewable area.
The biome machines generate their own markings using a pattern
generator based on simple rules. Each biome is running the same
software, but since the machines are generative, each system
evolves differently. The patterns have been slowly increasing in complexity
since they were launched in April 2005. This visual complexity
is augmented by a component of the program that acts like a virus,
seeking out machines lacking complexity and forcing them to reload
their pattern generator.
Each machine has a library of vocal calls that accompany certain
behaviours or interactions with other machines. These are only heard
when the machine is near the viewable area. One machine in particular
sometimes makes a dramatic appearance, flashing a bright
light on a protrusion similar to that of a lantern fish. The flashes are
accompanied by the sound of an explosive electrical discharge, and
many other machines react defensively.