lachlan turczan transforms water patterns into liquid sculptures with cymatic watergrams

lachlan turczan explores visual and sonic dimensions of water

Water, light, and sound artist Lachlan Turczan crafts Cymatic Watergrams as otherworldly landscapes born within the confines of a darkroom. Through the exposure of vibrating water patterns onto photosensitive paper, Turczan unveils a hypnotic exploration of both the visual and sonic dimensions of this element. His camera-less prints document his Resonance Series, giving rise to cymatic sculptures that animate water as liquid art, revealing sculpture-like forms that pulsate and undulate in a rhythmic dance. As light passes through the intricate wave patterns and is captured on photosensitive paper, it becomes harnessed by the water which serves as a lens that focuses and disperses light according to the varying frequencies present within the liquid.

all images and video courtesy of Lachlan Turczan

cymatic watergrams convey rhythmic wave patterns

In Lachlan Turczan’s Watergrams, frequencies ranging from 20 to 60Hz are captured, each yielding distinct visual manifestations. The lower frequencies manifest as expansive wave patterns, while higher frequencies create tighter networks of smaller wavelets, painting a rich tapestry of aquatic rhythms. Employing steep angles of light, the artist strategically flattens wave shadows on the photosensitive paper, ensuring clarity and definition in the final print. Conversely, oblique angles cast elongated shadows, tracing the contours of each wave crest, adding depth and dimension to the ethereal landscape captured on film.

The balance of exposure time and angle of light also plays a substantial role in the final print. Turczan’s Watergrams all use an exposure time of 250μs or 1/4000th of a second, capturing the precise instant of water’s oscillation almost instantaneously. Employing steep angles of light, wave patterns are strategically flattened on the photosensitive paper, ensuring clarity and definition in the print. Meanwhile conversely, oblique angles cast elongated shadows from the top of each wave crest, adding depth and dimension to the captured landscapes.

Lachlan Turczan’s Cymatic Watergrams unite water, light, and sound

waves oscillating at 60hz

waves oscillating at 120hz

8×10 Watergram print recording cymatic waves oscillating at 60hz with an exposure time of 250 μs

here, the flash exposed the waves at a very oblique angle

exposed perimeter of the pool of water

11×14 Watergram print recording cymatic waves oscillating at 120hz with an exposure time of 250 μs

cymatic waves oscillating at 120hz with an exposure time of 250μs

cymatic waves that are oscillating at 10hz with an exposure time of 250μs

project info:

name: Cymatic Watergrams
artist: Lachlan Turczan

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: ravail khan | designboom