Wilted Echos - Performance and Technology (2024)
Wilted Echoes is an audio-reactive visual installation inspired by my personal connection to sunflowers and my love for music. This project merges the organic beauty of nature with the emotional resonance of sound. I reimagined a sunflower, a symbol of individuality, creativity, and warmth, and connected it to my guitar—a deeply personal instrument that has been a part of my journey for years. The visuals respond dynamically to audio input, creating a live, immersive experience that blends art, technology, and music.
Concept and Inspiration
Sunflowers have always resonated with me. They represent joy, warmth, and individuality, qualities I strive to embody. Growing up in the UAE, I’ve always felt drawn to the sun, much like a sunflower. My guitar, on the other hand, represents my connection to music and self-expression. It’s an instrument I taught myself to play and one that has traveled with me across continents. This project also explores impermanence. I wanted to draw parallels between the fleeting nature of petals, musical notes, and moments. There’s a beauty in their transience, and this theme guided the design and development of Wilted Echoes.
Technology and Process
To bring this vision to life, I used p5.js to create visuals inspired by phyllotaxis, a mathematical pattern often found in nature. I started by designing the center of the sunflower, using gradients and layered circles to mimic its intricate structure. The petals were coded to react to sound, expanding and contracting dynamically based on audio input. By integrating these elements, I created visuals that felt alive and closely tied to the music.
Performance and Final Output
The project came together during a live performance of an original song. The visuals, projected in real-time, reacted to my voice and guitar, creating a harmonious interplay between sound and imagery. The performance highlighted the connection between music and nature, offering an immersive and reflective experience.
Concept and Inspiration
Sunflowers have always resonated with me. They represent joy, warmth, and individuality, qualities I strive to embody. Growing up in the UAE, I’ve always felt drawn to the sun, much like a sunflower. My guitar, on the other hand, represents my connection to music and self-expression. It’s an instrument I taught myself to play and one that has traveled with me across continents. This project also explores impermanence. I wanted to draw parallels between the fleeting nature of petals, musical notes, and moments. There’s a beauty in their transience, and this theme guided the design and development of Wilted Echoes.
Technology and Process
To bring this vision to life, I used p5.js to create visuals inspired by phyllotaxis, a mathematical pattern often found in nature. I started by designing the center of the sunflower, using gradients and layered circles to mimic its intricate structure. The petals were coded to react to sound, expanding and contracting dynamically based on audio input. By integrating these elements, I created visuals that felt alive and closely tied to the music.
Performance and Final Output
The project came together during a live performance of an original song. The visuals, projected in real-time, reacted to my voice and guitar, creating a harmonious interplay between sound and imagery. The performance highlighted the connection between music and nature, offering an immersive and reflective experience.