mia forrest

SEASONS

Using sensors to measure the fluctuations in electrical conductivity from botanical specimens, yields audible rhythmic and melodic information when processed through a digital audio workstation. The biodata is then amplified through a low-frequency vibration generator beneath paper, imbuing fine raw pigments into a state of perceived automatism upon the paper. The emergent patterns are governed by a naturally occurring phenomenon known as cymatics - the occurrence of sound made visible - where nodal and antinodal patterns are shaped by resonance and vibration. The autonomous mark making of pigments and crossover patterns reveal an abstract impressionistic landscape; a nod to the source itself.

In processing the sonification inherent in botanicals, and using that biodata to autonomously “paint” resonant patterns, we can view this work as a generative instance. Furthermore, the “randomness” of the rhythmic pattern that resonates onto the paper, is determined by the health and chemistry of the plant, as well as the environmental factors (temperature, time of day): these parameters allow the form to emerge. Nature IS the algorithm.

To set the image, for hours my kabuki brush swirls the emergent patterns of pigment into the paper, rendering a gaussian blur as each colour graduates into the other. I enjoy the physicality and meditative surrender as I trace the made marks into lush gradients with my brush, with full trust in the guidance from its source. I view the work as an intimate collaboration between nature, its hidden intrinsic energetic code, and myself.

The work is a testament to my ongoing dedication to "nature as muse".

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The first seasonal node, Spring, was debuted at the Unit London “Uncomputer” show, on October 4th, 2023. The artwork sold on 22/10/2023. The exhibition is supported by a critical essay “Forms from Chance” (penned by Malte Rauch) that compares generative art today, as taking shape from the early tenets of Dadaism, with reference to Duchamp’s “The Three Stoppages”

The second seasonal node, Summer, will be released on 23 January 2024, on the same digital art contract as Spring, hosted on Manifold. LINK

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