Created in 2005, Mira is an interactive generative software artwork that simulates growth, branching, and blooming. The system generates complex floral structures that react organically to user presence: when the cursor approaches a flower, the growth of new branches is triggered in the opposite direction, extending away from the mouse position. This interaction allows for an intricate variety of forms to be created.
The software functions in two distinct states. If no user interaction is detected, the system enters an automated mode, generating forms until the screen reaches visual saturation, at which point a new growth cycle begins. Active user interaction overrides the automated state, returning control to the participant.
The title refers to the mathematical formula used to generate the forms (the Gumowski-Mira chaotic attractor) and plays on the word ‘mira!’ (meaning ‘look!’ in Portuguese and Spanish). The interface includes a control panel that allows for the manipulation of generative parameters – such as the attractor variables or stem length – without providing labels or instructions. Originally developed in Macromedia Director, the work has been rebuilt to ensure its continued accessibility online.
Mira (2005), video documentation of the software in 1024×768 resolution.
Installation at MuseumsQuartier, Vienna (2007)
Installation views of the ‘Digital Canvas’ exhibition.
Generated Outputs
Selected digital stills from the software.
The Concept
Particles swarm around, creating intricate flower shapes that emerge like slow fireworks. When a flower is fully drawn, a path is drawn to a new point and the process begins over. As usual, the color scheme is subdued, in this case using black and pastel colors. It’s a nicely resolved piece, turning what seems like a limited geometry trick into a source of visual complexity.
Mira also features Lia’s signature control panel, a cryptic set of parameters for the user to play with without ever really knowing what they do. If in doubt, have patience. The flowers grow slowly, and feedback to a change in parameters will not be immediate.
Text by Marius Watz
Project Details
Year Created: 2005
Medium: Interactive Generative Software
Exhibitions
MuseumsQuartier, Vienna, Austria (‘Digital Canvas – Art for Screens’, Nov 13 – Dec 9, 2007)
Wand 5, Stuttgart, Germany (’20. Stuttgarter Filmwinter’, Jan 17 – Mar 4, 2007)
Kunstraum Innsbruck, Austria (‘Fresh Trips’, Dec 10 – Dec 11, 2005)
University of Technology, Sydney, Australia (‘Generative Arts Practice’, Dec 5 – Dec 7, 2005)
