September 2017 Issue
Topics
Convergence of science and art: Three dimensional dynamics of ferrofluid sculptures
Sachiko Kodama
Associate Professor
University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo.
Sachiko Kodama is an artist internationally recognized for her renderings unique and dynamic three dimensional sculptures including "Protrude Flow" (2001), "Morpho Tower" (2006), and "Pulsar" (2008) by controlling the intricate interaction of magnetic field lines with solutions of dark and optically reflective ferrofluids.
Sachiko has a bachelor's degree in physics. She decided that she was more interested in art than physics for her doctorate. "During my PhD program I studied digital art in the form of 3D computer graphics and holography," says Sachiko. "However, I was interested in the interaction of light with real 3D materials. Holography did not offer this but ferrofluids did. So after finding inspiration from work by Minako Takeno on ferrofluids, I launched the "Protrude, Flow" project in 2000. The work from this collaboration was exhibited at Siggraph 2001 Art Gallery."
"Protrude, Flow" was an interactive exhibition where a computer was used to move ferrofluids into "organic wild shapes". The exhibition used ferrofluids and six electromagnets, and the shapes of the ferrofluids were affected by the sounds generated by visitors in the exhibition room. The dynamic movements of the ferrofluids were projected onto a large screen in the room in real time.
Link to video of "Protrude Flow"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4rLG5Aaie4
In contrast to the dynamic movement of ferrofluids in "Protrude, Flow", the "Pulsate" series was focused on using the ferrofluid "as a place where thoughts mingled together". The "Pulsate -Melting Time, Dissolving Time" exhibition was set up in a large white room with a white dish containing black ferrofluid placed at the center of a white table with some chairs around it. The sounds of voices and footsteps of visitors caused the fluid to 'pulsate' gently in synchronization with the sounds. For larger sounds, the fluid moved with larger amplitudes, and at a certain point the ferrofluid "erupted" into the air. An electromagnet placed under the table was used as the actuator.
The experience of creating these dynamic structures led Sachiko to test new ideas for producing even more dynamic ferrofluid sculptures. Specifically, Sachiko experimented with electromagnets with pre-sculptured iron cores. This set up was used for the creation of the "Breathing Chaos" (2004) and "Morpho Tower" (2006) series. The important point is that the shapes and movement of "spikes" in the ferrofluid was controlled by varying the current flowing through the electromagnet.
Links to videos of "Breathing Chaos" and "MorphoTower" series.
Breathing Chaos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkiIt2OeQ_g
Morpho Tower: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eIcynuzg2M
Morpho Towers/Two Standing Spirals: https://vimeo.com/78180852
"A major goal is to create a human torso," explains Sachiko. "This is very challenging because the ferrofluid must move upwards against gravity. I am also considering colored ferrofluids. So, still many avenues to explore."
Further information
- October 2017: Exhibition in Kyoto
Sachiko Kodama - Éblouissan, 6 October - 25 November 2017, Seikado Gallery, Kyoto, Japan
http://sachikokodama.com/722-2/ - http://sachikokodama.com/
- Sachiko Kodama: Dynamic Ferrofluid Sculpture: Organic Shape-changing Art Forms, CACM(Communications of the ACM), Volume 51, Issue 6, pp.79-81, June 2008.
