Autopoiesis
Autopoiesis is an audiovisual project that creates an immersive experience using glowing patterns and ambient sounds to simulate the paradoxical nature of biomass bloom, particularly focusing on cyanobacteria. This project highlights the dual role of algal blooms as both environmental hazards and vital oxygen producers, incorporating computational abstraction to interact with the seldom-heard activities of these ancient organisms.
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Yan ShaoDirector
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Project Type:Experimental, Web / New Media
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Runtime:5 minutes 18 seconds
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Completion Date:December 30, 2021
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Aspect Ratio:16:10
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:No
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Femmes Designers Launch ShowLondon
United Kingdom
October 19, 2023 -
<Transient Surface> Exhibition at :iidrr GalleryNew York
United States
June 9, 2023
Yan Shao is a terrestrial artist and creative technologist based in New York. She creates new media works exploring the uncharted territories of perception, mediating the complex interrelations between humans and the earth. Her artistic language draws inspiration from geopoetics, the transitory essence of nature, and the human responsibility towards ecology, resulting in a unique and evocative narrative.
Autopoiesis is an audiovisual project that simulates biomass bloom in optimal conditions. It uses glowing patterns and ambient biological noise to create a vigorous and overwhelming experience. This piece refers to the paradox of algal bloom both as an environmental hazard, as well as, a biofuel factory.
As the most ancient organism, cyanobacteria make up most harmful algal blooms while assimilating atmospheric carbon dioxide and producing around 70% of the earth’s oxygen. The soundtrack consists of individual faint sound pieces produced by cyanobacteria’s oxygen-containing bubbles. Computation with abstract representation makes it possible to interact with this invisible and rarely heard action. Thus calling into question humanity’s essential reliance on oxygen and its circulation within earth’s system.