‘Microscopic Leaps’ [2015]

(Commissioned by Pentagram based off of Nobel Laureate Eric Betzig’s work on the development of fluorescence microscopy)

Microscopic Leaps is a three-dimensional, animated view of the microscopic world that reveal complex cellular processes and forms.  It records the captivating process using artistically rendered 3d stimulations coupled with mysterious sounds.  The mixture of organic musical beats with the systemically changing motions of cells is absolutely stunning (and a little creepy).

This particular piece has two distinctive ‘algorithms’.  The first one is obviously the computer generated stimulations created from real life movements of cellular processes and the second one is the rythmic music.  The music resembles a heartbeat and matches perfectly with the way the graphics moves like a heartbeat. Pretty cool.

Microscopic Leaps was inspired by real rapid movements of a single cell protozoan T. thermophila and other cellular processes, but recreates it using more calming, approachable tones (pastel green, warm grey, liquid-like forms).  Prior real life stimulations (as shown above) were outdated in that they used very extreme bold colors with rigid movements; However Microscopic Leaps creates a certain mood of mystery with its use of unconventional colors and rhythmic sounds.

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Illustration from the Stimulation