James Katungyi – Looking outwards 05

Artist: Eric J. Heller

Title: Transport IV

Year: undated

A branching shrub-like image results from mapping the 2 dimensional path of each of 100,000 electrons released at a single source, using algorithms. While each electron’s launch angle is different, the paths overlap which increases pixel concentration resulting 3 dimensional texture and depth to the image. The electron paths are mapped in a colour of choice – green in this case.

Of interest to me is how mapping these random trajectories results in an uncanny resemblance to plant ‘geometry’.

In addition to being an artistic piece of work, the idea of recreating the flow of discrete particles to resemble natural organisms, promises to inspire design. Rather than copying by observing, artists – from painters to building designers – can recreate natural patterns using this technique.

The artist, Eric Heller, has produced similar works in the Transport series, all inspired by a team of Harvard scientists that measured electron trajectories.

Similar work – Banyan (below)