Homeostasis

Abstract

Emerging technologies are impacting human interactions more than ever, while public perception of automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and human enhancement remains critical. In creative fields, innovative ideas are often triggered by intersecting dissimilar phenomena filtered through aesthetic considerations. One can argue that introducing AI in artistic practice destroys spontaneity, intuition and serendipity; consequently, the outcome is deliberate and premeditated. However, art is open to interpretations and through designing of unorthodox digital artifacts, interfaces and experiences in contrast with mainstream processes, we can challenge existing beliefs and provoke new ideas to reach a better understanding of how technology affects our culture. The project Homeostasis is a speculative interactive visual experience. It connects a distinctive interface design with generative art and meaningful data to communicate a significant topic. Shapes, colors, form and timing are manipulated based on a set of design principles, while the pattern of a vapor cloud from an ultrasonic vaporizer is analyzed and processed in a machine learning model in real time. The variations of the vapor pattern enable infinite possibilities between the natural boundaries and provide exciting data through computer vision that then drives the spatial and temporal attributes of the animation. The design is biologically inspired, and it attempts to create an illusion of cellular life-forms in deep waters.