FlowStates by Patrick Doan aka Defasten is a permanent data painting installation situated in the entrance hall of the IFO Institute, the prestigious Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich. The artwork is driven by algorithms that convert data streams from the IFO business climate and Eurostat into varied visual forms.
FlowStates integrates six unique designs, each driven by algorithms that convert data streams from the IFO business climate—spanning industries from manufacturing to transport—into varied visual forms. These streams are dynamically updated with correlated Eurostat data, such as international trade figures, construction production volumes, and consumer trends in online services across Europe. The artwork is presented in a temporal sequence governed by a day and night cycle. Rather than adhering to traditional, static perspectives, the designs are captured from multiple viewpoints. This dynamic approach means that the artwork does not have a conventional beginning, end, top, or bottom, defying standard orientations and inviting viewers to engage with it from any angle—challenging and expanding the traditional boundaries of how art is perceived and experienced.
In addition to the data painting itself, we developed a remotely accessible interface that gives our client enhanced control over the artwork. This tool allows the client to select specific designs or adjust settings for day and night versions. Traditionally, artwork remains within the confines of its physical exhibit. Recognizing this limitation, we designed and developed an export module for the data painting from scratch to extend the artwork’s accessibility for our client. Remotely accessible, this module enables to use the art in various digital formats for videos, streaming to external screens, and creating stills for social media or print.
The visual designs of “Flow States” draw from the rich tapestry of natural forms, spanning the scale from the microscopic to the macroscopic. This naturalistic inspiration is distilled into a fluid visual language that seamlessly orchestrates the compositions. Reflecting the continuous flow of nature, these designs metaphorically represent the fluid dynamics of societal and civilizational transformations. Within this artistic framework, the visuals respond to real-time data streams, their motion, shape, speed, and color configurations dynamically shifting in reaction. This living interaction between art and data streams perpetually unveils new patterns, capturing the ever-evolving interplay between natural rhythms and human insights.
Made with TouchDesigner, Notch + custom development.
Credits: Patrick Doan (Artist), Dániel Molnár (Development), Dirk König (Creative Direction) & Kolja Pitz (Idea, Concept, Supervision)
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