mosaique 15*26

2012
Manuel Abendroth, Jerome Decock, Els Vermang

Size: 3.30 * 6 m
 

Technique: 390 linear motors, wood, paint, 1 computer, custom tailored electronics, rgb spots, generative software

 

mosaique 15*26's elementary visual and architectural vocabulary is based on kinetic algorithms and coloured light. Its algorithmic logic, reconciles simplicity with serendipity and geometric order with randomness. The 15x26 = 390 tiles constitute a wall of 3,3 x 6m presenting a regular grid. Each tile can be activated by a linear motor retracting it 10cm from the vertical plane. The individual control of the tiles’ motion creates reliefs and geometric patterns, which evolve following the rules of a cellular automaton. This simple generative algorithm is based on a regular grid of ‘cells,’ each representing a binary state which can change over time through generation. In the integration, these cells correspond to the tiles and their state is: extracted or retracted, 0 or 1. With each generation, the same rules are applied to all the tiles, resulting in each new configuration becoming the beginning for subsequent generations. The tiles` motion is defined by an algorithm generating a variation of patterns, each coming from the same start configuration. The tiles are illuminated by three light projectors in red, green and blue. The white illumination of the tiles, resulting from the mixing of the three primary colours is decomposed by the tiles’ motion in coloured shadows displaying the primary and secondary colours of light. These coloured shadows appear and disappear following the back and forth motion of the tiles. This implementation of light assigns the visible spectrum of light to position (space) and motion (time) of the tiles and consequently unifies colour and motion through the phenomenon of light.

 

For detailed documentation, please refer to Archive --->