This project was made as an assignment for HKU, Utrecht.
Tasks:
- Physical design
- Prototyping
- Electrical installation
Programs used:
- Adobe Illustrator
- Audacity
- Arduino IDE
About the project: Sonic Illustrations is an innovative art project that merges sound and visual art, originating from an experimental setup in 2013. The original concept involved using a bass reflex speaker, which was covered with clingwrap. Liquid watercolor, known as ecoline, was poured onto the clingwrap, and a sheet of paper was placed on top. When audio was played through the speaker, the soundwaves caused the ecoline to splatter onto the paper, creating unique and beautiful circular illustrations formed by the vibrations of the soundwaves.
Nearly eight years later, Sonic Illustrations has evolved into a more professional and permanent installation. The current setup retains the core concept of using a bass speaker to generate soundwave-induced art but with significant enhancements. The installation now features multiple sensors that allow users to interact and determine both the look and sound of their Sonic Illustration. These sensors enable users to control various aspects of the audio being played, such as pitch, volume, and rhythm. As the audio changes, so do the patterns created by the ecoline on the paper.
The interactive nature of Sonic Illustrations transforms the process into a collaborative experience between the user and the installation. Each illustration is a direct result of the user's input, with the soundwaves translating their choices into visual art. The result is a dynamic and engaging artwork that visually represents the audio vibrations, showcasing the beautiful and intricate relationship between sound and visual expression. This project not only produces stunning illustrations but also offers a unique exploration of the intersection between auditory and visual creativity.