Flows

Flows uses the mathematics of aerodynamics to animate colorful particles and forms that move through underlying flow fields. Potential Flow Theory, a cornerstone of traditional aerodynamic analysis, is the basis for all outputs in this project.

From an aerospace engineer's perspective, these functions are powerful tools to simulate airflow on the wing of an airplane or weather patterns over a geographical area, but rarely are we given the freedom to explore the potential for beauty. Generative art is a wonderful platform to showcase this because it is simply math and physics given shape and color.

Subtle nods to my background in the aerospace industry are given throughout the project. Outputs include particles that traverse along pathlines, simulating particle tracer analysis methods. Some palettes limit their colors to the conventional analytical color spectrum of red to blue. Regions of smooth color gradients are broken up by discontinuities, inspired by Schlieren photographs of shockwaves.

Flows, however, intentionally breaks away from many analytical conventions. This is largely representative of my personal journey out of the aerospace industry and into the world of generative art. Streamlines are replaced by winding, spiraling forms that twist through underlying scalar potential fields instead of aligning with them. Pixelated, analytical graphs are replaced with smooth GPU animations rendered in real-time.

For a more detailed overview of this project, including more details about the choices behind each color palette, a breakdown of the underlying aerodynamics, and a summary of how shaders are being used, please see ryley-o.com/flows.

An extra personal touch is given to this project, inspired by my son born with Down syndrome. Token #21 will have a unique blue and yellow palette titled "Inclusion". 100% of artist royalties from sales of that token will be donated to Down syndrome related charities, in perpetuity.