15 minute audio-visual recording of ‘primordial’, four channels converted into stereo

The work ‘primordial’ is a non-durational digital generative installation in which pre recorded sound and video material is manipulated and transformed live, in order to create an ongoing but ever-changing audiovisual environment.

The underlying structure of the piece is modelled on natural chaotic systems, and based on the principal of fluid interaction between individual microsystems, controlling the variable aspects of the cross-wired sound and image parameters. The feedback circulating within and amongst these different controllers thereby acts as a ‘bloodstream’ to the system, preventing it from settling into any one stable state of repetition or replication. This closed system interrelates with its present and immediate past, causing an evolution of possibilities. The result is a natural emergence of chaotic patterns that are nonetheless limited to the confines of the system. The work thereby has no clear beginning, end, or in the traditional sense, progression, but rather relies on the listener’s focus of attention to mark out the individual trajectory.

Central to the work is a slowly evolving visual shape of uncertain origin or nature, and its constant fluid morphing movement. The visuals are underlined in its calming meditative state by the engulfing and immersive minimal sound atmosphere. Central to the musical arrangement is a tonal scale in equal temperament, constructed specifically for this piece, and build in its tonality around the 21st and 29th harmonic. Inhabiting this tonal structure is a sampled recording of a male voice practicing low overtone singing. The partial artificial enhancement of the overtone frequencies already inherent in the original sample is creating an additional delicate and fleeting layer of sound, occupying a higher register. The entirety of this process is lending a particular eerie and alienating tonal quality and arrangement to the work, which nevertheless attempts to encapsulate the spectator’s attention in its hypnotic flow.

‘Primordial’ does not however intend to only inhabit a world of the aesthetically pleasing. The dualistic tension prevalent in the work manifests in times within the seeming inability of ‘the shape’ to follow its innate progress. Displaying conflicting behaviour, pointing to internal or external circumstances disturbing its tranquil condition, becomes visible through indeterminate sudden halts and repetitive retracing of its previous pathway. The disturbance occasionally climaxing into a rapid twitch of image and sound, abruptly interrupting the peaceful evolutionary process seemingly at random and without prior warning or motive.

The abstract nature and deliberate lack of familiarity within this audiovisual installation can be most closely interpreted as portraying a pluralistic state of mind, fluctuating between tranquillity and tension.

'primaordial' at Microworld:Arcadia
organised by Genetic Moo

'Primordial and its other worldly sustained passages initially provides a tense ominous environment for the art show, which with its church like anti-harmonies was even perhaps numinous. On entering the space you were certainly given the sense of some grand presence booming around the room. A primordial being. As you stayed longer the tension reduces and it eventually turns into a calming experience as the sounds subtly sweep through your consciousness.  This mix of eeriness and subtle shifts complimented the changing alien visuals of the surrounding artworks, and provided a rich base carpet of sound on top of which various other artworks' animal like digital chirps and calls could comfortably sit. Occasionally the sound folds up into a jarring twitch as the Primordial visuals jump-cut across the screen and then the familiar swell - order is resumed. The sense of an primeval cell splitting in two is evoked as is the omnipresence of nature.' Tim Pickup

Microworld:Arcadia was an art show at The Arcadecardiff Gallery in May 2013 organised by Genetic Moo. The show was an experiment in creating a living digital ecosystem where many different art works interacted with the audience, the space and each other.
(text and video documentation, with thanks, by Genetic Moo)

Documentation of Genetic Moo's 'Microworld : Arcadia' at Arcadecardiff, May 2013. Our aim - to create a digital ecology, where the art works communicate with the audience and each other. Works by Genetic Moo, Tine Bech, Jockel Liess, Sean Clark, Paul Granjon, Sean Olsen, Wendy Keay-Bright, Jane Webb, Stefan Samocuik and performances by Alexandros Kontogeorgakopoulos, Julia Schauerman and Tango Edge. (video + audio recorded live).