Dynamic System No. 2 (Gravilux) 1999. Custom PC software. Click here for java version.

Gravilux creates a system for drawing with stars. A field of individual masses is simulated on the screen, such that gravitational attraction is computed between the cursor position and all of the individual stars' positions. Although the system is physically based, it is not physically realistic. The work is a metaphorical exploration of a conceptual system that uses attraction as a means to reveal gesture.

Gravilux. Tokyo Intercommunications Center. 1999.	Colliding Galaxies NGC 4038 and NGC 4039. October 21, 1997. B. Whitmore and NASA.

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About the Dynamic Systems Series

The Dynamic Systems Series is an series of screen-based works which use human movement as input. The only way for one's body to enter into the desktop computer is through the mouse, and the cursor is the projection of the body into the screen. These works take that projection of the body and create a system in response.

Each work is embodied as a dynamic system - a model of natural, mathematical or algorithmic reality. The pieces are meant to provide an immediate sensation of touching an immaterial, but "natural" world with consistent and predictable reactions, but infinite variety. An instant and intuitive sense of presence and efficacy is achieved, while spending more time with a system provides greater reward - the effect of the work on the mind is equal to the effect of the mind on the work.

These pieces blur the line between artwork and art-making tool. The artwork is the set of rules which construct a system in which the viewer is an essential part. Sol LeWitt's work serves as a traditional media example of this concept. However, within the dynamic medium of computation, the particular expression of the rules continuously changes in response to the active viewer.

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