onformative's kinetic light sculpture reveals the beauty hidden within a basic algorithm

onformative’s ‘true/false’ is a kinetic light sculpture composed of arrays of circular black metal segments set in mechanical columns. interlocking and rotating around fluorescent light tubes, the cylinders cover or expose the light to display an endless number of patterns. the transformation of the sculpture is based on the shifting elements and their correlation to each other. as the segments do not move independently, for any of the cylinders on a column to change, the segments affected must work in unison to achieve the command.

‘true/false’ is a machine that reveals images according to its algorithm

german based studio onformative‘s ‘true/false’ is a machine that constantly generates instructions to reveal images and assigned patterns according to its algorithm. it visualizes the computational process and exposes the implementation of these commands. as the piece transforms into the assigned motif, it completes the procedure and continues on to the next task. it is a veritable machine at work as it executes instructions and makes the algorithm and transformation between the images visible. akin to the mythology of sisyphus, this labor is perpetual and never-ending. reminiscent of devices originally used for calculations, such as turing machines, the sound originates from the mechanical movement of the moving parts thus making the algorithm audible.

the moving parts display an endless number of patterns

the rhythm of ‘true/false’ is captivating as variations in the visual choreography result in distinctive changes in its soundscape. through the generation of algorithmic patterns and the repetition of endless tasks, onformative’s installation transforms itself into something more than the sum of its elements to reveal the beauty hidden within a basic algorithm.

onformative’s latest project is a kinetic light sculpture

true/false – kinetic light installation 
video by onformative

the piece makes the transformation between the images visible

the labor of the machine is endless

the machine completes its assigned procedure and moves on to the next task

the rhythm of ‘true/false’ is captivating as the piece transforms into more than the sum of its elements

the columns are controlled by motors at the base of the sculpture

each array is set in mechanical columns

the cylinders rotate to cover or expose the light

fluorescent lights are set in acrylic tubes

for any of the segments to move, the arrays must work in unison

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edited by: apostolos costarangos | designboom