Evolution

“Evolution” is an immersive audio-visual installation and performance that celebrates the vitality of inorganic materials. The project takes its inspiration from the physics phenomenon of Cymatics, which has demonstrated that certain substances can autonomously form complex patterns in response to vibrations. This phenomenon challenges the traditional understanding of life and poses the question: can inorganic materials be considered as life forms if they can respond to external stimuli? This project aims to inspire a new perception of non-living substances, and contribute to an ongoing philosophical debate on the nature of life and the relationship between the animate and the inanimate.

“Evolution” employs a digital-analog generative system that allows luminous powders and the sonic landscape to evolve together, freeing matter from its passive role. The sound is composed around the sonic textures collected from the material utilising a granulator and generative algorithm, directing the powders to move. Meanwhile, a live image recognition program employs particle behaviours to modulate the sound. Each element performs in response to the changes of the other, giving rise to a complex and dynamic system that challenges conventional notions of causality and interactivity.

This piece features a live moving image and a unique quadraphonic system where the four sound channels are splitted into a quad of transducers and monitor speakers. Through the immersive audiovisual experience, viewers are enveloped in a sonic haze that blurs the boundary between their individuality and the surrounding spatio-temporal structure. As the sound energy from the installation permeates their bodies, viewers are able to experience the vibrational environment in a manner akin to the non-living powders. This experience challenges traditional hierarchical perspectives and allows viewers to appreciate the power and agency of the non-human material world.

“Evolution”是一个沉浸式的视听装置和表演，旨在呈现无机材料的活力。该项目从音流学的物理现象中获得灵感：某些无机物质在振动下可以自主地形成极为复杂的图案。这一现象挑战了我们对生命的传统理解，并提出了一个问题：如果无机材料能够对外部刺激作出反应，它们是否也能被视为生命形式？该项目旨在激发人们对非生命物质的新认识，并为正在进行的关于生命的本质的哲学辩论做出贡献。

“Evolution”采用了一个数字模拟生成系统：发光的粉末和音景将一起进化，将物质从其被动角色中解放出来。声音是围绕从材料中收集到的声音纹理编制的，主要利用了粒子合成器和生成算法，以引导粉末移动。同时，现场图像识别程序将会采用粒子的行为来调节声音，两者产生了一个复杂的动态系统，挑战了传统因果关系和互动性的概念。

该作品由实时影像系统和四声道系统组成，其中四个声道会同时被振动粒子的振动传感器以及扬声器同时播放。通过身临其境的视听体验，观众放佛被笼罩在一团声音的迷雾中，模糊了他们本身和周围时空结构之间的界限。随着装置的声音通过振动能量渗透到他们的身体，观众能够站在非生命材料的角度体验振动环境。这种体验挑战了传统的等级观点，使观众能够欣赏到非人类物质世界的能量。