For a few weeks back in March (just as the world was starting to end), I took time-lapse videos of Lake Michigan every night at dusk. I then wrote a computer program that generates music by reacting to the changing colors of the lake as the video slowly fades to black. I wanted to make a film that writes its own soundtrack. Leander began as a way to document and contrast the colors of the lake, but it gradually became a meditation on patience, loneliness, and waiting as the reality of the pandemic set in.
Leander is currently "on display" as part of the VISAP 2020 virtual exhibition, an international data visualization arts program. VISAP 2020 was supposed to be Salt Lake City this week, but alas, it is online like so much else these days. I'm honored to have been chosen for this virtual exhibition and excited for the opportunity to talk about my work later this week. An article I wrote describing the Leander process in greater depth will be published soon through VISAP.
Follow the link to watch Leander in its entirety and check out some incredible data art by the other artists in the virtual exhibition:
