In 2005, the american sculptors Dan Havel and Dean Ruck built some kind of vortex into two houses. They called the resulting artwork, which lead like a tunnel through the house, “Inversion”.

Unfortunately, this weird construction had only a very short life span. The two houses were scheduled for destruction just a few months later – and most likely, the schedule was kept.

» original press release
» more pictures
» even more pictures

(via Kreativrauschen via pasQualle via Wooster Collective via designverb via hemmy)

Update 19.7.2008

Dan Havel pointed to a short video documentary about Inversion. It includes moments from the construction, interviews with Dan Havel and Dean ruck and also the final destruction of the installation.

Thomas Briggs creates images by the use of mathematical functions. The results are beautiful and abstract artworks which remind me a little of fractal art (although they work differently).

My methods resemble physical simulation and data visualization from the sciences, but I turn them to my own uses. I feel that I have more complete control over what comes out of my methods than by using algorithmic or fractal mathematics. I am emulating natural forces that create patterning in the real world, such as alluvial flows, turbulation and the like. I consciously manipulate the process in ways which force the results into accumulated gestures, which at least potentially, could come from my own hand. (Thomas Briggs)

The dimensions of Thomas Briggs’ works are impressive. To show the images on the internet, he reduces the resolution by 99%. On paper - where he sells them as unicums - they are at least 1×1m big.

[..] the actual line weight is equivalent to that of a 0.2 - 0.3 millimeter pen nib, yet the large scale structure holds up when seen from a distance. This disparity of scale is an essential element of the experience of the works.

» Thomas Briggs’ Website

The audiovisual and interactive installation Volume consists of numerous shining columns, which are installed at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The columns change their optical textures when visitors walk between them. Probably, the sound of the installation changes as well - but that is not described anywhere.

Volume is a cooperation between United Visual Artists (UVA) and Robert Del Naja (also known as “3D” from Massive Attack), as well as Neil Davidge from one point six.

I think this installation is pretty cool - although you probably only know the real coolness when you are standing right within Volume. The video at the project website is by all means impressively atmospheric.

» Volume at the V&A

If you’re interested in interactive installations, please also take a look at Dave - The interactive music video installation. (Sorry for the shameless self-marketing *g*)

(via we make money not art)

Last semester, Erik and myself created an interactive music video installation called “Dave“. It was the - so far - most intense project I have done. Well, it was worth it. :) We created the first installation of this kind that I know of.

The recipient, surrounded by displays, can alter the course of the video by interacting with three pillars. Interaction does not only change the video, but also the music. Nonetheless, the music preserves its character, because all possible variations are preproduced.

We created a little webpage with details about dave. There are pictures and videos which hopefully give an impression about the installation:

» Dave: The Interactive Music Video Installation «

There’s also a German version of the same pages.

Too bad that it existed only for one day. It’s hard to describe the feeling when you were actually standing within it. Videos can’t really show that. *sigh*

Theao Jansen builds artificial creatures, which can move with the wind. He calls his creation “Strandbeest“.

Those beests combine an artistic beauty with technological fascination. Despite their size and complex structure, they move with such ease that they appear kinda surreal. Don’t miss the videos on the Sandbeest site.

The newest specimen of Sandbeests can even be used as a means of transportation. Animaris Rhinoceros Transport is 4,70m high and includes a cabin for human passengers. Unfortunately, you have to wait for strong wind to blow in the right direction to travel in this monster…

Also nice is the artist’s attitude towards his creation. He calls the Sandbeests a new life-form.

Eventualy he wants to put these animals out in herds on the beaches, so they will live their own lives.

(via TED blog)