LO 02: Generative Art

“Flow” is an interactive art exhibit by Karl Sims. Developed in 2018, it is a computer simulation that displays particle flows and fluid dynamics in vibrant colors on very large screens. The simulation becomes an interactive art installation when viewers interact with it. A Kinect depth sensor registers the human form and mirrors their appearance, placing the viewer in the art. The program senses human gestures and the algorithm registers these gestures as disruptions in the flow; thus generating new and unique art with each viewer. The particle simulation is reminiscent of Van Gogh’s art and immerses the viewer in their own “Starry Night.” The fluid simulations look as though the viewer can paint with their gestures or as though they are immersed in blooming ink drops. Still others give the effect of being embodied in light or rainbow fabrics. In all there are 10 different effects in this exhibit.

There is simplicity in this installation that I admire. It combines the physics of particle flow and fluid dynamics with color. The flow algorithms give the art its initial form, but this dynamic form becomes dependent on viewers as they interact with it. The physics are based on vectors and fluid flow models. Details can be found here.

Sims has been creating flow simulations and generative art since the 1980s. The progression of his work in combining software, art, and the human experience is evident when viewing his earlier works. This installation was commissioned by MIT’s CSAIL, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. It is currently on display at the MIT Stata Center, in Boston, Massachusetts.