Interview about Waiting for the Wave in Metaverse Digital Artworks, winner of the A' Digital Art Award 2024
This artwork is a visualisation of the momentary shape of a wave in perfect shape for surfing that is aesthetically pleasing and gives the audience pleasant confusion simultaneously. It was created through a creative process between digital and physical, mixing reality and virtual reality in collaboration with EPFL. It attempts to generate an experience in nature and reaffirms the supple strength of human cognitive abilities that select aesthetic experiences actively to create a better future. A sense of human existence will remain unchanged forever, even in a future where reality is in chaos.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsWhen collaborating with the professor from EPFL, my creative methodology was significantly enriched, reaching a level I couldn't have achieved on my own. The professor’s expertise in wave simulation provided a unique lens through which to view my artistic process. Specifically, they compared their advanced wave simulations with my more intuitive, hand-drawn wave sketches. What was truly remarkable was their confirmation that my sketches, though crafted manually, were almost identical in form and dynamics to the highly complex, algorithmically generated simulations. This discovery was a pivotal moment.This validation from a scientific perspective empowered me to explore the synthesis of human craftsmanship and artificial simulation. Instead of viewing these two approaches as disparate, the collaboration with EPFL allowed me to actively seek out and refine the intermediate space where they converge. My aim became to integrate the organic, nuanced imperfections of the hand-drawn with the precision and theoretical grounding of the simulated. This wasn't about choosing one over the other, but about finding a harmonious balance that elevated the artwork. The process became an exploration of how scientific understanding could not only validate but also inspire and deepen artistic expression, ultimately allowing me to sublimate these elements into the final pieces for Waiting for the Wave in Metaverse Digital Artworks.
My hand-drawn sketches are the culmination of years of dedicated training, driven by an intuitive pursuit of what constitutes a beautiful curve and how to render it myself. This journey was deeply personal, an exploration of aesthetic principles through repeated practice and observation. While I felt a strong conviction about the beauty and accuracy of my lines, I lacked a quantifiable way to prove it.The collaboration with EPFL, particularly the integration of ocean physics simulations, provided this missing validation. Witnessing my intuitively drawn wave forms being affirmed by rigorous scientific models was profoundly impactful. It wasn't just about verifying my artistic choices; it was about revealing a deeper connection between intuitive artistry and scientific precision. This convergence underscored the idea that what we perceive as aesthetically pleasing often has an underlying basis in natural laws and mathematical principles, even if our initial engagement with it is purely emotional or intuitive. This realization not only boosted my confidence but also significantly expanded my creative freedom. Knowing that my intrinsic sense of beauty resonated with scientific truths allowed me to approach future works with an even greater sense of assurance, pushing the boundaries of what's possible at this fascinating intersection.
Waiting for the Wave in Metaverse Digital Artworks directly addresses the escalating tension between our physical existence and virtual identities by subtly, yet powerfully, re-emphasizing the profound importance of the real, tangible sensations we experience in nature. In an era where the lines between reality and digital spaces are not merely blurred but often seem to vanish entirely, my work serves as a contemplative mirror, reflecting on what we might lose as we increasingly immerse ourselves in virtual realms.The project doesn't condemn the digital; rather, it uses the digital medium of the metaverse to highlight the irreplaceable richness of the physical. By digitally rendering the raw, elemental power of waves—a force inherently tied to our physical world and sensory perception—it aims to evoke a nostalgia for the authentic, unmediated experiences that ground our humanity. The "waiting" in the title is not just for a digital event, but for a conscious reconnection with the natural world, prompting viewers to consider the qualitative difference between a simulated experience and the visceral reality of standing before a crashing wave, feeling the spray, hearing its roar, and sensing its immense power. This intentional contrast encourages a critical awareness of how our engagement with virtual identities might inadvertently diminish our appreciation for, and connection to, the very physical world that shapes who we are. It's a gentle nudge towards finding balance, reminding us that while digital spaces offer boundless possibilities, the true essence of our being often lies in the unreplicable sensations of physical reality.
My motivation for adopting a multi-layered approach to materiality in Waiting for the Wave in Metaverse Digital Artworks, transitioning from hand-drawn sketches to stone powder sculptures and then to digital formats, was rooted in a desire for explicit comparison with the simulations. I wanted to meticulously follow a fundamental craftwork process: starting with 2D sketches, moving to 2D three-view drawings, and finally creating three-dimensional objects. This methodical progression allowed for a clear and tangible pathway to compare the organic evolution of a hand-crafted form against the precise, data-driven outputs of wave simulations.This traditional workflow served as a crucial anchor. By first translating my initial, intuitive sketches into physical sculptures, I was able to imbue them with a palpable sense of presence and materiality. These sculptures became physical manifestations of my artistic vision, embodying the nuances and imperfections inherent in human creation. Then, bringing these physical forms into the digital realm via 3D scanning and further digital manipulation allowed for a direct juxtaposition with the simulated waves. This entire cycle wasn't just about creating art; it was an experiment in exploring how different forms of materiality—from the ephemeral pencil line to the solid sculpture, and finally to the fluid digital data—each contribute to our perception of a concept. It allowed me to highlight the unique characteristics of each medium while simultaneously demonstrating their surprising harmony when brought together.
My exploration of the perfect surfing wave shape in Waiting for the Wave in Metaverse Digital Artworks was driven by a conviction that all forms in nature adhere to underlying aesthetic laws. Among these, the curve of a wave stands out as an exceptionally symbolic representation of these natural principles. This deep dive into the specific morphology of a breaking wave was not merely an exercise in artistic rendering; it became a profound inquiry into human cognitive abilities and our aesthetic experience.The very act of identifying what constitutes a "perfect" wave – a form that is both dynamically powerful and visually captivating – pushes the boundaries of our perception. It highlights our innate human capacity to recognize, appreciate, and even predict patterns in the natural world. This pursuit forces us to engage with complex concepts like fluid dynamics and energy transfer, not through scientific equations, but through an intuitive, visual understanding. Our ability to find beauty in such a powerful and transient natural phenomenon speaks volumes about how our brains are wired to find order and harmony. By meticulously deconstructing and then re-creating this "perfect" form across various mediums, I aimed to underscore the idea that our aesthetic appreciation is not arbitrary but deeply connected to the fundamental laws governing the universe. This process allowed me to make a broader artistic statement about how our cognitive abilities – from pattern recognition to abstract reasoning – are inextricably linked to our capacity for aesthetic experience, particularly when confronted with the sublime beauty of nature.
The "pleasant confusion" that arises from the visual ambiguity in Waiting for the Wave in Metaverse Digital Artworks is a deliberate and integral component of my artistic vision. The final outcome of this art piece is not a pure simulation; it's a meticulously constructed digital representation derived from 3D scans of hand-sculpted plaster waves, subsequently photographed in conjunction with real water. This unique production method inherently introduces subtle discrepancies when compared to purely digital, algorithmically generated simulations.It is precisely within these slight deviations and nuances that the "pleasant confusion" is designed to occur for the audience. When viewers encounter the work, they are presented with something that looks strikingly real, yet possesses an almost imperceptible, anachronistic quality – a hint of the handcrafted within the seemingly perfect digital realm. This subtle incongruity acts as a trigger for contemplation. Instead of passively consuming the image, the audience is prompted to actively seek out and identify these moments of dissonance. This active engagement, this gentle challenge to their perception of reality, is not meant to alienate but to invite deeper thought. It encourages them to question the boundaries between the handmade and the simulated, the tangible and the virtual, and ultimately, to reflect on the nature of reality itself in an increasingly digital world. This intentional perceptual uncertainty serves to transform passive viewing into an immersive, thought-provoking experience.
I envision Waiting for the Wave in Metaverse Digital Artworks contributing significantly to the ongoing dialogue about human existence and aesthetic experience in our increasingly digitized world by offering a space for reflection rather than a definitive answer. This piece isn't designed to negate digitalization, nor does it advocate for an excessive embrace of it that would lead us to forget reality. Instead, I believe this artwork provides a unique opportunity for viewers to contemplate the genuine, visceral sensations that nature provides and, in that process, deliberately choose what holds true importance for them.In a world where digital experiences are often seamless and immediate, Waiting for the Wave deliberately introduces a subtle tension, a "pleasant confusion," that prompts a moment of pause. It encourages a mindful consideration of the inherent value in the physical world and our direct interaction with it. By presenting a hyper-realistic yet subtly ambiguous depiction of a natural phenomenon, the artwork asks the viewer to engage critically with their own perceptions and priorities. It's about fostering an active process of discernment for the audience, helping them navigate the blurred lines between the real and the virtual. Ultimately, the piece aims to empower individuals to consciously decide where they place their value and attention, ensuring that as we move further into a digitized future, we don't lose sight of the profound and irreplaceable beauty of our physical existence and the authentic aesthetic experiences it offers.
While Waiting for the Wave in Metaverse Digital Artworks is indeed built upon a meticulously conceived concept, I also strongly believe it possesses an inherent and profound beauty. This aesthetic quality is not merely ornamental; it is fundamental to how the artwork facilitates a crucial connection with nature, especially as we navigate our increasingly chaotic reality.The beauty embedded within this piece is designed to evoke a sense of aspiration and longing for the real, exquisite sensations found in nature. By presenting a visually compelling and almost tactile representation of a wave – a force of nature universally recognized for its power and grace – the artwork aims to stir a deep, almost primal appreciation within the viewer. It's about more than just seeing an image; it's about feeling the resonance of that image with our innate human connection to the natural world. This deliberate appeal to the viewer's aesthetic sensibilities serves a powerful purpose: it makes the underlying message about the importance of natural connection not just intellectual, but deeply emotional and visceral. Through this emotional engagement, the artwork effectively imprints upon the audience the significance of real, beautiful sensations derived from nature. In a world inundated with digital stimuli, my work acts as a beautiful, gentle reminder of the grounding, restorative power of the natural world, prompting a desire to seek out and cherish those authentic experiences in our own lives.
The balance between "the technical demands of digital fabrication" and "maintaining the organic essence of ocean waves" was not merely a challenge but a foundational principle of the entire concept. From the outset, both aspects were considered equally crucial and were therefore treated with an equivalent degree of importance, ensuring a harmonious equilibrium throughout the creative process.We didn't view digital fabrication as a means to simply replicate nature, nor did we allow the organic essence to be compromised by technological limitations. Instead, the technical demands of 3D scanning, digital modeling, and advanced rendering were meticulously harnessed to translate and amplify the subtle, fluid, and often unpredictable characteristics of real ocean waves. For instance, the precision of digital tools allowed us to capture the minute details of the hand-sculpted plaster waves, which inherently carried the organic nuances of human touch. Conversely, the organic essence of the waves served as the constant guiding force for every technical decision. Any digital manipulation or fabrication choice was rigorously evaluated against its ability to preserve the wave's natural flow, its inherent dynamics, and its profound aesthetic appeal. This iterative process of moving between tangible craftwork and digital precision allowed us to create a work that is both technologically sophisticated and deeply resonant with the natural world, ultimately allowing us to achieve this delicate yet powerful balance.
One of the most profound and unexpected discoveries that emerged during the creation of Waiting for the Wave in Metaverse Digital Artworks, and one that will significantly influence my future explorations, was the realization of a surprising kinship between concepts previously considered diametrically opposed: natural reality and virtual reality. This insight became particularly clear when we observed that the curves generated by advanced simulations were almost identical to those in my intuitively hand-drawn sketches.This was a pivotal moment. Before this project, I, like many, perceived natural reality and virtual reality as fundamentally distinct, even adversarial, concepts. Natural reality was tangible, organic, and unpredictable, while virtual reality was seen as artificial, precise, and entirely controllable. However, the uncanny congruence between the organic fluidity of a hand-drawn wave and the mathematical precision of a simulated one revealed that there's a deep, underlying harmony. It suggests that the aesthetic principles we instinctively recognize in nature can be accurately mirrored, or even found, within the logic of digital algorithms. This doesn't mean they are interchangeable, but rather that there's a shared language, a common ground that can be explored. This discovery has completely reshaped my perspective, prompting me to investigate how digital art can not only imitate but also reveal the inherent elegance and hidden structures within natural phenomena. My future work will undoubtedly delve deeper into this unexpected synergy, exploring how virtual spaces can serve as powerful mediums to re-contextualize, deepen our understanding of, and even enhance our appreciation for the complex beauty of the natural world.
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