| inspiration |
The COLORFLOWS consist of 64 x 64 abstract color field animations, driven by an algorithm that draws aesthetic inspiration from the cosmology of the Book of Changes, an integral part of Daoist culture. The Book of Changes (Yijing / I Ching) revolves around two fundamental natural forces: Yin (⚋) and Yang (–). These forces complement and oppose each other in a dynamic and coherent manner. The interplay between Yin and Yang gives rise to an endless array of processes and phenomena in both the macrocosm and microcosm, encompassing human existence as part of nature. In the Book of Changes, each of the 64 hexagrams represents a unique dynamic combination of six lines, either solid (–) or broken (⚋), symbolizing Yin and Yang. These combinations continuously transform, giving rise to the 64 different constellations that represent the ever-changing moments in life. Similar to other Daoist sources like the philosophical works Daodejing (Tao Te King) and the Zhuangzi, the Book of Changes embraces the idea of nature as a dynamic and procedural reality. Inspired by this concept, each COLORFLOW animation corresponds to a specific transition between a starting hexagram and a following one, where the former transforms into the latter... |
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structure virtue |
The COLORFLOWS are connected to the Yijing through two references: a structural reference and a virtue-related one. In the Yijing, each hexagram possesses the potential to change. Depending on specific circumstances, one or more of a hexagram's six lines, either solid or broken, transform into their opposites (solid (–) into broken (⚋) and vice versa). As a result, each divination yields two hexagrams: an initial one and a subsequent one, with the former transitioning into the latter. Each hexagram then can be interpreted as two trigrams or three bigrams. For example, the hexagram ䷾ (jì) can be read as the two trigrams ☲ (lí) and ☵ (kǎn), or as three bigrams, as shown in the given example with three times ⚍ (shǎo yáng). To create a COLORFLOW animation, the algorithm interprets both hexagrams, as well as their trigrams, and bigrams, resulting in a total of eleven color fields organized into five layers. The first layer serves as the background and contains one color field that spans the entire canvas of the animation. Its color is determined by the interplay of the two hexagrams. The second layer consists of two color fields representing the first hexagram's interpretation as two trigrams, while the third layer comprises three color fields representing the first hexagram read as three bigrams. Correspondingly, layers four and five are created for the second hexagram. All of those other ten colorfields in layers two to five will be assigned individual colours, depending on the characteristics of the respective trigrams and bigrams... |
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| algorithm |
In addition, the algorithm also takes into account the meanings, virtues, and characteristics of the trigrams and bigrams. It applies this information by adjusting the parameters of each color field, besides of color also including position and size, hue, saturation, brightness, opacity, and the interaction between neighboring color fields within the same layer. These interactions can either involve an interspace or direct connection, and depending on the characteristics, the common seam can manifest as a sharp line or a smooth color transition. Similar to the Book of Changes, the COLORFLOWS employ a relatively simple architecture that results in a high level of complexity and resolution in their characteristics. To illustrate the characteristics of the hexagrams, trigrams, and bigrams, here is an example using the eight existing trigrams. One way to interpret them is in terms of family relations: ☷ (kūn) represents the mother, ☳ (zhèn) the eldest son, ☵ (kǎn) the middle son, and ☶ (gèn) the youngest son. Similarly, there is ☱ (duì) for the youngest daughter, ☲ (lí) for the middle daughter, ☴ (xùn) for the eldest daughter, and ☰ (qián) for the father. Another interpretation associates them with elements. Then, ☷ represents earth, ☳ stands for thunder, ☵ symbolizes water, ☶ represents mountain, ☱ relates to lake, ☲ signifies fire, ☴ represents wind, and ☰ is associated with heaven. Different interpretations also exist based on geographical directions or materials, as well as states of action (for more detailed information, it is advisable to refer to a translation of the Yijing). |
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body mind |
In Western cultures, polar realities like the duality of body and mind are widely recognized. This dualism closely relates to Daoism, which is evident in practices such as Taichi, Qigong, ink painting, and calligraphy—all of which are considered Daoist practices. However, in the Western context, the hierarchy between body and mind has existed since well before modernization, with a preference for one over the other. The perception of the Book of Changes in Europe dates back to at least the turn of the 17th to the 18th century. Figures like Leibnitz were aware of it and admired its early binary system, while C.G. Jung praised it for its wisdom. Hermann Hesse was also familiar with the work, and it is likely that he introduced it to the commune on Monte Verita near Ascona in Ticino, Switzerland. In the U.S., only a few decades later, John Cage appreciated the Book of Changes for its dynamic nature and used it for composing. Around the same time, US-American minimalist painter Ad Reinhardt came up with a series of works named 'The I Ching Paintings'. The parallels between the Daoist Culture and artistic creation in general are rather obvious and easy to discover. |
About the Creators... |
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Andreas Walther Born 1971 in Giessen, Germany, Andreas Walther lives and works between Germany and Taiwan since 1998. That year he began his studies at the Academy of Media Arts Cologne/Germany and, following a long term sympathy, started to head to East Asia, learning the Chinese language and getting familiar with and inspired by the culture of Taiwan. Ever since, Andreas is focusing on artistic questions arising within the intercultural dialogue. Working mainly in video and video installation fom the 1990s to the late 2000s, it is since 2010 that Andreas, inspired by the Taoist culture, mainly works with photography concerning a dynamic relation of body and mind, and with his artworks references Shanshui painting and calligraphy as well as ideas from the fields of media theory and philosophy of perception. During the pandemic, Andreas turned towards Generative Art in 2021. Having gathered experience with programming already early in his late childhood, and at several occasions later, it was a most interesting task to now relate this technique to ideas from the context of Taoism. Andreas' works are exhibited in museums, galleries, and art spaces as well as represented in public and private collections in Europe and East Asia. For details, please refer to http://www.andreaswalther.de |
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Per van der Horst Gallery Per van der Horst – to some better known as ArtAddict (@artaddict69) – is art aficionado, collector of East Asian antiques, design objects and contemporary art, as well as a gallerist, since almost 10 years living and operating in Taipei, Taiwan. Originally from the Netherlands, Per started an art gallery in The Hague together with Jo-Ann Knop in 2009. After settling over to Taiwan, it was in 2014 that Per together with Judy Wu opened a branch gallery in Taipei, which meanwhile has become the only physical representation of per van der horst gallery (cp. www.pervanderhorst.com). The gallery frequently participates in art fairs around the world - KunstRAI / Art Amsterdam, PAN Amsterdam, PHOTOFAIRS Shanghai, and Photo Basel, just to name a few. In 2021, Per got into web3 under the pseudonym artaddict69, and began to approach the phenomenon of NFTs, and already in October 2021 artaddict69 published an NFT collection together with Eindhoven based artist Bas Meeuws. The 1500 pieces collection "Bas Meeuws X unsig1102" was well received and sold out within a week of minting. |
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