Evolution: an audiovisual performance about chaotic self-evolving behaviors of non-living material

Work Description:
Blending live scientific data with artistic expression, Evolution is a live audio-visual performance that celebrates the vitality of inorganic matter. It invites viewers to witness the organic evolution of granular materials alongside a soundscape, encouraging reflection on the nature of life forms and our existence within this interconnected world.
The project draws inspiration from the phenomenon of Cymatics, which demonstrates that certain substances can autonomously form dynamic patterns when subjected to vibrations. This raises profound questions about our understanding of life: What is the ontological difference between behaviours of such matters and living organisms? How do we position our own existence in the ever-evolving macro and micro contexts?
With these questions at its core, Evolution employs a generative system that allows granular substances and the soundscape to evolve in unison, thus freeing matter from its traditionally passive role. The soundscape is composed using generative algorithms that harness the sonic textures collected from the materials, directing the powders to transform. Simultaneously, a live image recognition program interprets particle behaviours to modulate the sound. This ongoing feedback loop fosters a complex and dynamic system, challenging conventional notions of causality and interactivity.
This installation features a live moving image and a unique quadraphonic audio system, integrating transducers and speakers to immerse the audience in a transformative blend of imagery, sound, and haptic vibrations. Audience interaction-such as touching or drawing on the plate-alters the movement of the powder and the sound, responding in real-time. As the boundary between individuality and the surrounding spatio-temporal structure becomes blurred in this shared vibrational environment, an organic dialogue is established between different forms of existence.
Artist Introduction:
PHASES is a creative audiovisual artist duo formed by Bryan Yueshen Wu and Ke Peng (PK), based in London. We focus on the rich intersections of design, art, and science, crafting innovative experiences that challenge traditional perceptions of reality and explore the interplays between physicality and digitality. Our work involves artistic and technological research in fields such as audiovisual installation, live performance, and materiality. This leads to the creation of experiences that resonate with themes like nature, temporality, interconnectedness, and immersion, challenging viewers and listeners to rethink their relationship with the world around them.
With a shared vision of pushing boundaries, our works have been showcased on both national and international stages, including at the IRCAM Forum at Centre Pompidou, Iklectik Art Lab, V&A Museum, and Taiwan Contemporary Culture Lab, among others.
Past Live Performances:
PASSAGES, IKLECTIK, Nov 8, 2022
42nd White Noise, IKLECTIK, Dec 6, 2022
Metabolic Drift, IKLECTIK, Oct 30, 2023
AV Tales Lunch Night, Thingy Cafe Hackney, Jan 31, 2023
Relevant links:
Project Website: kepeng.cargo.s...
Project Video: • Evolution: an audiovis...
Artist website:
kepeng.cargo.s...
bbbryan.com/
Social media:
/ pppunko
/ 8ryan.w