Protrude, Flow

2003

Sachiko Kodama (JP)
Minako Takeno (JP)

Who has not on occasion had the desire to be able to freely form material and flexibly design it independent of physical constraints like the force of gravity? Is it possible to produce a real object that corresponds to these specifications?

“Protrude, Flow” creates an illusion that leads us to believe that this dream had come true. Sharply tapering mountain peaks, bizarre forms and flowing particle streams give rise to the impression that these shapes were no longer subject to gravity.

At the basis of this illusion are magnetofluids and sound and image sequences. The black-looking liquid of the magnetofluid changes its form when it interacts with the sounds produced by visitors to the exhibit. A ceiling-mounted microphone records these sounds and a computer transforms them into electromagnetic tension, which regulates the strength of the installation’s magnetic field. Every change in the magnetofluid is manifested synchronously with variations in the ambient soundscape, and is recorded by a digital video camera that projects the images onto a screen.

The magnetofluid consists of fine ferromagnetic particles suspended in a liquid such as water or oil; it retains its powerful magnetism even in a fluid state. Three-dimensional organic patterns of great complexity can be produced with this substance.

With generous support from the Denshijiski Industry Co, Ltd.