Iron Fine Arts and Art Installation Design · 2020
Crystal Visualizations Art Installation
by Yingri Guan
- A' Design Award 2020 Iron Winner in Fine Arts and Art Installation Design
- Awarded April 15, 2020
- CLIENT: ARiceStudio
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 16,811
- Verification code 850AC7FF27 · Verify this award
About Crystal Visualizations Art Installation
This series of work involves generating complex fractal images based on detailed analysis of crystals’ chemical structure. By collecting data such as the distance between each element, angle of the chemical bonding and molecular mass of the crystalline structure, Yingri Guan transforms and abstracts the data into fractals through constructing a series of equations and formulas.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- By analyzing the chemical bonding in crystals and applying a set of mathematical equations and rules to my research, the fractal image is generated by computer through coding. Drawing inspiration from four different crystal structures, four different pieces are generated.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Width 1000 mm x Depth 800 mm x Height 1200 mm
- Tags
- generative, abstract, light, LED, art, visualization, installation, sculpture, crystals
- Production Technology
- The images are generated through computer programming. Then the images are exported into vectors. The vectors then transformed into sculpture etching using laser cutters. Later the cut acrylic glass are then assembled together with the wood table structure to keep it secure. And they are illuminated with lights to magnify the generative lines.
- Design Challenge
- The challenge is to maximize the aesthetic beauty of this piece while making it physically feasible. The first version was created with acrylic glass stack onto each other for easier assembly. However, I soon realized that would be too heavy of a piece both in terms of design and weight. So I explored different options in terms of how to assemble a acrylic glass to a heart shape while making the topographic map layer correspondinging on top of each other. Another challenge lies in how to install the LED light to illuminate the whole piece. Several pedestal options and filtering materials were tested and the final product is as shown.
- Project Duration
- The project started in Dec 2012 in Buffalo and finished in December 2019 in Seattle.
- Operation Flow
- People come to close interaction with the piece and see it. They will learn about crystal structure via a close examination of the 4 different pieces.
- Research
- San Francisco has really unique topological maps and hence that became my inspiration. Looking at San Francisco while flying on a plane. Especially at night. San Francisco's map is distributed to different altitudes.
- Inspiration
- This series of work initiated with my fascination with crystals and fractals. There is a stark similarity between them. Crystals are formed by the orderly arrangements of atoms or ions while fractals are generated by repeating simple geometric shapes by obeying a certain set of rules. Both formations involve repetitions of identical singular units. It then evolved to become a visualizing crystal structure using generated fractal images.
- Image Credits
- Image #1: Photographer Yingri Guan, Variations, 2019. Optional Image #1: Photographer Yingri Guan, Variations, 2019. Optional Image #2 Photographer Yingri Guan, Variations, 2019. Optional Image #3 Photographer Yingri Guan, 2019. Optional Image #4 Photographer Yingri Guan, 2019.
- Patents
- Patent pending
Colors of Crystal Visualizations Art Installation
Design Interview about Crystal Visualizations Art Installation
The main inspiration behind this series of crystal visualizations is the generative formation pattern in different crystals. Crystals share the same properties as fractals where they are formed by repetitively using the same unit, and hence fractals are used to represent four different crystals in this series of works.
My main focus in designing this work is to explore. I wanted to see what it could be if I am able to combine mathematical formulas, crystal data information, design and art could create.
I plan to utilize the same method of creation for this series of works and apply to another similar naturally occurring phenomenon to create visualizations that could bring some unique alternative reality.
The design took about 1 month. Implementation took long because laser cutter and other facilities are required to make some of the items.
I designed this particular concept out of personal curiosity. I wanted to explore ways of visualization. Also explore ways of combining multi disciplines to push the boundaries in design and art.
I intend to sell these products myself for now. If future opportunities prevail and I could have the opportunity of putting these into the mass market, I'd access the suitability based on my values.
I designed this particular type of work as a product of explorations. Out of curiosity and personal interest, it pushed me to see where this experimentation could go.
My professors were my consultants in this work and they have provided valuable feedback. But most of the implementation is done by me.
The target customer is the relatively wealthy audiences who are into collecting new and unique artworks that push the boundaries of design, art, science, and mathematics. Who are open-minded and open to new explorations in the art world.
This design is different from other similar resembling concepts in that this combines the digital production with physical materials to form physical visualizations which my audience is not only able to have visual enjoyment of the art but also having textual and interactive sensations that help them understand the work.
The name is quite straight forward. It represents the original inspiration as well as what the end product is visualizing.
I have used processing, adobe creative suite, laser cutting, and wood saw for this project.
The most unique aspect of my design is the goal of providing an alternative reality to my audience through physical visualization.
I did work with lab technicians in terms of how to set up laser cutter files, how the different materials would behave as well as gotten help in terms of producing the frame to install these pieces.
Technology is integral to this design. It is involved in every process of the production of this piece. From the initial ideation, research, to gradual iterations and finally the production of the design, technology is involved in every step along the way and indeed the driving force for this particular design.
Yes, the design is influenced by data or analytical research. I did conduct research about the formation of crystals. How fractals in mathematics would work and finally ways to represent crystals by using fractals.
The main challenges are the translation from digital concepts and imagery to physical visualizations.
I decided to submit to A'Design competition as I saw the call for art online and thought how cool would it be if I could have some recognitions in this international award. I am truly grateful I was given a reward for the work I have done.
I have learned that design is mostly about confronting limitations. I ran into a lot of limitations when working on this project. Each time, I'd come up with creative ways to solve the problems. Hence that really stretch my imagination and expand my skills.
I'd love to hear any feedback from you. Feel free to share with me your thoughts about design, my work or things in general at yingriguan@gmail.com.