Moving Creates Vortices and Vortices Create Movement

teamLab, 2017, Interactive Digital Installation, Endless, Sound: teamLab

Moving Creates Vortices and Vortices Create Movement

teamLab, 2017, Interactive Digital Installation, Endless, Sound: teamLab

When a person moves, a force is applied in that direction. As a result, a flow occurs. When the flow accelerates, a rotation phenomenon is produced due to the difference in the flow velocity around it, creating a vortex. A vortex is born. The faster a person moves, the more force is applied in that direction. If a person stops or leaves the artwork, the flow will cease, and nothing will exist in the space.

This work is also influenced by The Columns, in which a waterfall flows down and into the floor, applying its own force.

Flow in the artwork is expressed as a continuum of numerous particles, and the interaction between the particles is calculated. Lines are drawn according to the trails of the particles. The cumulation of lines that represent the work are then “flattened” in line with what teamLab considers to be ultrasubjective space.

Works are born and continue to transform due to the influence of people’s movement and of other artworks.

In the ocean, complicated terrain such as an island produces flow velocity difference, and a vortex is generated. Vortices swirl up the carcasses of organisms sunk to the bottom of the ocean, producing nutritious seawater. This becomes a source of nutrition for plankton to grow and nourishes the sea life. Vortices therefore contribute to enriching the ocean.