Evolution

演化

︎Nov, 2022-Sep, 2023

Blending live scientific data with artistic expression, Evolution is an immersive audiovisual installation and performance that celebrates the vitality of inorganic matter. It invites viewers to witness the organic evolution of granular materials alongside a soundscape, encouraging reflection on the nature of life forms and our existence within this interconnected world.

The project draws inspiration from the phenomenon of Cymatics, which demonstrates that certain substances can autonomously form dynamic patterns in sound vibrations. This raises profound questions about our understanding of life: What is the ontological difference between behaviours of such matters and living organisms? How do we position our own existence in the ever-evolving macro and micro contexts?

With these questions at its core, Evolution employs a generative system that allows granular substances and the soundscape to evolve in unison, thus freeing matter from its traditionally passive role. The soundscape is composed using generative algorithms that harness the sonic textures collected from the materials, directing the powders to transform. Simultaneously, a live image recognition program interprets particle behaviours to modulate the sound. This ongoing feedback loop fosters a complex and dynamic system, challenging conventional notions of causality and interactivity.

This installation features a live moving image and a unique quadraphonic audio system, integrating transducers and speakers to immerse the audience in a transformative blend of imagery, sound, and haptic vibrations. Audience interaction—such as touching or drawing on the plate—alters the movement of the powder and the sound, responding in real-time. As the boundary between individuality and the surrounding spatio-temporal structure becomes blurred in this shared vibrational environment, an organic dialogue is established between different forms of existence.

Credits
Co-director, co-producer: Bryan Yueshen Wu, Ke Peng
Visual: Ke Peng
Sound: Bryan Yueshen Wu
Project advisor: Dr. David Meckin
Special thanks: Iklectik Artlab, Morley Gallery, Ronnie Deelen, Dr. Matt Lewis
Project developed at Royal College of Art

Past Live Performances_{PASSAGES, IKLECTIK, Nov 8, 2022
42nd White Noise, IKLECTIK, Dec 6, 2022
Metabolic Drift, IKLECTIK, Oct 30, 2023
AV Tales Lunch Night, Thingy Cafe Hackney,

Jan 31, 2023}Past Exhibitions
Vibrant Matters, Digital Design Weekend 2023, Victoria and Albert Museum, London
SOUND/IMAGE 2023, The Stephen Lawrence Gallery, University of Greenwich, London
The Engine Room: International Sound Art Exhibition 2023, Morley Gallery, London
Ties That Cannot Be Unbound, New Art City, Online
Work in Progress Show 2023, Royal College of Art, London

演化是一项通过视听装置与现场表演为形式，探索无机材料的生命力的艺术项目。在沉浸式的场域中，观众将见证微粒材料与音景之间的有机演变，旨在引发对生命本质及我们在这个相互关联的世界中存在的思考。

该项目从音流学现象中汲取灵感：微小颗粒会在声音振动环境下自发形成复杂动态图案。这种无机材料的自主行为引发了我们对生命本质的深刻思考：这些物质的活动与生物体之间的本质区别是什么？我们又该如何将自身存在置于不断演变的宏观和微观背景之中？

通过数字和模拟信号的融合，该装置创造了一个独特的自组织系统。物质与声音的振动相互适应演化，解放了物质从传统的被动地位。声音设计利用材料本身的音质，结合粒子合成器和生成算法实时生成，不断影响粉末的运动；同时，通过实时图像捕捉算法，物质的动态也将调制声音的生成。这种反馈循环促成了一个复杂而动态的系统，挑战了传统的因果关系和互动性。

作品由实时投影的显微镜影像和特殊设计的四声道空间声音系统构成，集成了声波振动器与空间音响。同时，观众的互动，比如触摸或在板上绘画，也会实时改变微粒材料的动态以及场域内的声音。在这个由图像、声音和触觉打造的共振场域中，观众将感受微观世界和真实空间的交错，犹如与粉末融为一体，并参与到不同存在的有机对话之中。

_{联合制作人：伍悦燊，彭可

视觉统筹：彭可

声音设计：伍悦燊

项目顾问：David Meckin 博士

特别鸣谢：IKLECTIK Artlab，Morley Gallery，Ronnie Deelen，Matt Lewis 博士

项目开发于英国皇家艺术学院}

过往演出
PASSAGES, IKLECTIK, 英国伦敦
42nd White Noise, IKLECTIK, 英国伦敦
Metabolic Drift, IKLECTIK, 英国伦敦
AV Tales Lunch Night, Thingy Cafe Hackney, 英国伦敦

过往展览
Vibrant Matters, 数字艺术设计周 2023, V&A博物馆, 英国伦敦
SOUND/IMAGE 2023, The Stephen Lawrence Gallery, 格林尼治大学 , 英国伦敦
The Engine Room: 国际声音艺术奖与展览 2023, Morley Gallery , 英国伦敦
Ties That Cannot Be Unbound, New Art City, 线上
Work in Progress Show 2023, 皇家艺术学院, 英国伦敦

2023, Evolution (Installation)

_{HD Live Moving Image, Quadraphonic Sound, Projection, Transducers, Acrylic, Luminous Powder, White Sand, LED Strip, Infinite Duration} _{Exhibited at Garden House White City, Royal College of Art, Work in Progress Show 2023}

2022, Evolution (Performance)

_{HD Live Moving Image, Stereo Sound, Projection, Transducers, Acrylic, Luminous Powder, Laser, Torch, 8:00

Performed at 42nd White Noise, IKLECTIK Artlab}

Process

Testing set-up

Past Exhibitions & Performances

_{Exhibited at Vibrant Matters, Digital Design Weekend 2023, Victoria and Albert Museum, London}

_{Exhibited at The Engine Room: International Sound Art Competition and Exhibition, Morley Gallery, 2023}