Intersections - Nguyen Dang Binh

Sachiko Kodama
ARTIST STATEMENT
This work is conceptualized as an “organic tower,” that responds
dynamically to its magnetic environment. When there is no magnetic
field, the shape of the tower appears as a simple spiral, like a drill
bit. But when the magnetic field around the tower is strengthened,
spikes of magnetic fluid are carried from the bottom plate, and
move up, circling around the edge of the iron spiral shape. At the
same time, the tower’s surface dynamically morphs into a variety
of textures ranging from spiky or hairy to mere goose-bumps. The
magnetic fluid, which has a smooth black surface that seems
to draw you in, reaches the top of the tower, spreading like a fractal,
defying gravity.
People can interact with this work by making sounds; they can
change the tower’s texture by creating magnetic fields by voice, engaging
them directly with the artwork. By fusing physical materials,
phenomena and digital technology, I attempted to create an exciting
and inspiring art for people to enjoy.
Electronic Art and Animation Catalog Art Gallery Artworks
CONTACT
MorphoTower/Spiral Swirl
16 inches x 12 inches x 12 inches
Dynamic sculpture, magnetic fluid and iron
Sachiko Kodama
The Univresity of Electro-Communications
1-5-1, Chofugaoka
Chofu City, Tokyo 182-8585 Japan
kodama@hc.uec.ac.jp
www.kodama.hc.uec.ac.jp/
protrudeflow/works/008/index.html
COLLABORATORS
Makoto Tanabe
Satoru Saito
Kingo Arakawa
TECHNICAl STATEMENT
The body of the MorphoTower was made with a new technique
called magnetic-fluid sculpture, which enables the artist to create
dynamic sculptures with fluid materials. This technique extends and
sculpts the iron core of an electro-magnet. The magnetic fluid covers
the sculpted surface of a three-dimensional iron shape that was
made with an electronic NC lathe.
The movement of the spikes in the fluid is controlled dynamically on
the surface by adjusting the power of the electro-magnet. The shape
of the iron body is helical so the fluid can move to the top of the helical
tower when the magnetic field is strong enough.
A microphone captures real-time environmental sound, and a
computer analyzes the level and modifies the power of the electromagnet
accordingly. There are two phases to the magnetic-power
control process: one controls the position of the fluid, and the other
vibrates the spikes according to the sound input.
As a result, the fluid covers the sculpture’s surface, and its spikes
vibrate like a creature responding to sound.