Code Abstractions


Unfolding

by Lau Tse Xuan

Description

Referencing Tropser Jamie’s article on “The Holographic Universe Principle”, Unfolding is a five channel video installation that explores the idea of a simulated reality. Using “simulated reality” as a keyword, this work aims to reveal the environment of the actual and perceived through our sense of sight - looking at how light enables us to perceive colours. In the work, flat planes in the initial scene transition to a colourful sphere. The greyscale planes are representations of our two-dimensional world in black, white and greys, while the sphere represents the world of the perceived where we experience objects in three dimensions and as sensations of colour. By presenting the work in this manner, the computers act as vessels simultaneously transitioning between the two spaces, from planes to a sphere, presenting a state alternating between the actual and simulated environment.

This project is a response to a text titled The Holographic Universe Principle by Trosper Jamie from 2013.

Bio

Tse Xuan’s practice is an investigation of our relationship with nature and the simplicity of the everyday. Inspired by textures and patterns found in the natural environment, these minute findings are abstracted into digital forms in her installations as an amplification of vastness. Through her work she is keen in exploring aesthetic experiences in relation to the digital space - looking at how the digital has transformed or enhanced the way we perceive works.

Thoughts

Other than presenting it as an installation, I felt that the hologram is an alternate way of presentation, which is interesting because it can be achieved with simple materials.

Achievements

Reflecting on my process, I learnt how to use concepts of code such as change over time, loops and conditionals to realise my works - in particular apply concepts of Math to control movements along the cosine wave. Though these exercise or experiments can be quite simple, complexity can be introduced by applying or merging these concepts to achieve variability in its outcomes. In doing so, it allows for more control over the outcome and allows one to be closer to their intended idea that have.

Future Work

Looking at the possibilities of this visual, it would be interesting for me to explore how this work can exist as a various forms such as an interactive installation or projection map onto objects. I feel that the experience can be very different which can influence the perception of the work.

p5js Sketches

Code Abstractions

2021