Sum05 is an interactive, generative application that explores the behavior of autonomous agents within a confined system. The work operates on the principle of “Code as Material,” where the source code functions not merely as a tool, but as the primary artistic medium. Algorithmic rules drive the simulation, creating dynamic forms that traverse the screen.
The work was commissioned for the exhibition ‘Generator.x: Art from Code’ at the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design in Oslo (2005). Curated by Marius Watz, the exhibition focused on software as an aesthetic tool, placing LIA’s work alongside that of Casey Reas and Sebastian Oschatz.
In 2011, the software was evolved for the i3DG Palm Top Theater, an experimental display utilizing three transparent mirrors to create a layered, 3D viewing experience. This adaptation introduced interactive color palettes and gesture control, and was exhibited at the Japan Media Arts Festival and V2_ Institute for the Unstable Media.
Sum05 (2005), generative software output.
Exhibition at National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design, Oslo (2005)
Installation views from the ‘Generator.x’ exhibition.
Adaptation for i3DG Palm Top Theater (2011)
The software adapted for a layered optical display, featuring interactive color.
Project Details
Year Created: 2005
Medium: Generative Software, Interactive Installation
(i3DG display system created by Jitsuro Mase and Tom Nagae)
Key Exhibitions
National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design, Oslo, Norway (‘Generator.x – Art from Code’, Sep 24 – Oct 16, 2005)
Curator: Marius Watz
Dortmunder U, Dortmund, Germany (‘Japan Media Arts Festival’, Sep 10 – Oct 2, 2011)
Curator: Stefan Riekeles (i3DG Adaptation)
V2_ Institute for the Unstable Media, Rotterdam, Netherlands (‘Palm Top Theater Exhibition’, Jan 22 – Feb 13, 2011)
Curator: Maki Ueda in collaboration with Nae Morita (i3DG Adaptation)
Kunsthalle Dominikanerkirche, Osnabrück, Germany (‘European Media Arts Festival’, Apr 27 – May 29, 2011)
Presented by V2_ Institute for the Unstable Media (i3DG Adaptation)
‘Generator.x’ Exhibited Artists: Casey Reas, Ben Fry, Golan Levin, LIA, Sebastian Oschatz, Trond Lossius, and others.
Exhibition Photography: Marius Watz (Oslo)
