Random, hand and rough

The design of this study was generated by a computer algorithm that makes random designs of columns and knees along the paper. I programmed it in Matlab, then some final touch in Illustrator than a bit of erratic cuts from my hand.

The most difficult part is the folding, which turns out to be very difficult for this column width. However, the interesting thing is the effect of random choices, which makes the visualizations quite confuse at distance but reserves nice surprises in the macro photography. More in http://flic.kr/s/aHsjygDu7t

There is also a video, which I will release soon. The code is below. Let me know if you want to use it or if you have other ideas:

Perfection in white, blue and golden rectangles

In this series I tried to develop a structure based on “golden rectangles”, which are rectangles that use the golden proportion(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_section), the golden section, the number of gold or approximately 0.0618.

Although such a number is surrounded by mysticism, the fact is that its mathematical properties are so interesting and so ubiquitous that is difficult to ignore its importance in art.

But a number does not make art, and one of the nicest things about the deep structure of this number is the connection of differences (look for The power of the Limits, Gyorgy Doczi). It is very difficult to make beauty with precision and simplicity as well as to make beauty with caos and obscurantism. Where the beauty comes from? From ambiguity? From instability?

I dont know…

(Source: flic.kr)

Imperfection in Red & White

Study on modular erratic squares.

The study of the present week started as an “error”. I was working on a new paper design that should reflect waves depicted in a chinese plate used to teach a musical instrument (Guqin). After finished 70% of the work I noticed that there was an error that would not allow to build the project.

Errors, deviations, imprecisions were always a rich source of enlightment and insights. Unfortunately, the world views in industrial societies promote a superficial interpretation of errors.

I used the concept to build erratic squares, produced from rough paper cuts, which were mounted in a improvised structure. The concept of imprecision and improvisations should be somewhat clear.

(Please, ignore spots because my lenses/sensor are dirty)

Share and give feedback. :-)

(Source: flic.kr)

Study 2 - Black, white and mesh

Study 2 was prepared for the new 2012 year.

The concept involved black and white forms that should bring the impression of mesh, intricate relations and bondings.

It is an tribute to my friends.

Happy new year!

(Source: flic.kr)

Woman in red and black - January 2011

This design was developed for the cover of my phd thesis:

Naveda, L. (2011e).  Gesture in Samba: A cross-modal  analysis of dance and music from the Afro-Brazilian culture. Phd thesis, GhentUniversity [PDF] 

Samba (the main topic of my thesis) deals with ambiguity. In the AfroBrazilian culture, Exú is the entity that represents such ambiguity, principle of infinite movement. The colors of Exú are red and black and although Exú is always represented as a male figure I mixed this concept with the figure of a “baihiana”„ which is another ambiguit by itself.

Ambiguity is another topic in my thesis and I believe it forms a core element in the design of Afro-Brazilian samba (see my thesis or papers)

The paper sculpture was framed and was given to my advisor Prof. Marc Leman.

Study 1 - Color interactions

This study was based on paper left from old designs.

The idea was to create a flow in combination with interactions in a closed form (like a sculpture)

Photography and art: Luiz Naveda

See more in http://flic.kr/s/aHsjxAcBfz

(Source: flic.kr)

The Saint Michael’s church (Dutch: Sint-Michielskerk) in Ghent, Belgium, is a Roman Catholic church devoted to Archangel Michael.

See more in my Flickr: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjxA65Ek