Continuig their exploration of fate and chance using dice in their works, Life and Death of an Algorithm 2024 (33,782 White dice, evolutionary algorithm) by Troika is the latest (and largest) itteration of the work they produced–currently on display at Langen Foundation as apart of PINK NOISE exhibition presenting ambitious new installations by the the Franco-German trio.
The dice are laid out in a pattern that emulates the rules of cellular automata. Governed by its own laws, the algorithm follows a trajectory that emulates the evolution of life: coming into existence, evolving and eventually culminating in death, as the pattern exhausts all potential paths.
“The dice are used to reference our traditional relationship with fate and chance, while the algorithms are an expression of a rapid technological and societal change, that has made them a powerful tool to both simulate and predict our everyday reality.”
Troika / Trickle Down Aesthetics – Cellular Automata in recent works by Troika
In this latest interation of the work, the team customised a drilling machine (with the help of Alex Bygrave hung) to automate the process of drilling 33,782 white dice. On the back of the machine the dice are funnelled through individual channels likley corresponding to assembly layout with one at the time being drilled by the Epple Maschinen column drill spun on a rotating plate. The completed dice full the buckets, seperated into batches and manually threaded on a wire, each seperated by a rubber washer to prevent dice rubbing against one another. Following this labour intensive process, each row is joined to another via a perpendicular set of wires. The end result is hung by 130 independent cables, floating above the ground, almost (visually) suggesting that the algorithm is still at play.
For more information about Troika and their CA dice series, see Trickle Down Aesthetics – Cellular Automata in recent works by Troika.
Project Page | Langen Foundation | Troika
Troika – PINK NOISE is at Langen Foundation from 01/09/2024 – 16/03/2025.
Raketenstation Hombroich 1, 41472 Neuss, Germany
“Pink Noise refers to an acoustic condition that contains all frequencies in the audible spectrum. The intensity of this noise diminishes where frequency increases (at a rate of three decibels per octave), making it sound even. This frequency spectrum is recognizable in the gentle rush of waterfalls, heartbeats and wind in the trees; indeed, it is a statistical signature of natural systems. Easy on the human ear, pink or fractal noise is used to tune concert sound systems and lull babies to sleep. Environmental sensing, in human machine form, operates through aesthetics attunement to these patterns—and their critical disruption.” – Dehlia Hannah & Nadim Samman
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