**FOCUS** is a 1000 image meditation, and it is my second release of Zen-inspired generative art, following [Ensō](https://www.artblocks.io/project/34).

This algorithm can produce images that are elegantly minimal, as well as images featuring complex patterns that explore visual illusions and artificial space. Inspired by the Zen art tradition of doing more with less, the limited palette consists of black, white, and five colors. This both constrains possible outcomes and allows the creation of unique perceptual interactions. Except in extremely rare scenarios, each token can provide a wide variety of visual experiences through its interactive features: use up and down arrows to adjust the pattern recursion factor, left and right arrows to adjust the midpoint count, ‘h’ to hide or show the central shape, and ‘s’ to save. FOCUS is best viewed live and full screen.

FOCUS has a free-to-claim, 100% on-chain, companion generative art project called deFOCUSed. It's a free gift to my collectors. (Thank you!) [More Info](https://matto.xyz/project/defocused/) | [Claim Site](https://defocused.matto.xyz/)

FOCUS

The Quantum Collapses project is at the intersection of art, science, and technology. It is an ever-evolving, interactive journey in the Hilbert space, where quantum states live. The richness and mysteries of this space remind our unconscious mind.

25 years of passionate scientific research in the field of quantum optics led to this work as a tribute to the magic of quantum physics and the forthcoming quantum digital era.

Abstract expressionist paintings often depict imagined forms beyond the visible world. They emphasize free, spontaneous, and emotional expression of the artist, while Quantum Collapses aims to explore the unconscious mind and personal emotions of the viewer. During our artistic research, we found out the Hilbert space is populated by a variety of weird creatures, ghosts, landscapes... How they are perceived is purely a reflection of ourselves.

Each quantum superposition evolves in time, generating an unlimited flow of new shapes (no loop). You may interact with them in different ways, but doing so, according to the laws of quantum theory, will cause their collapse. Once you press [m], stay quiet if you don't wish to collapse them all. New artworks emerge from the interplay between the user, unitary evolution, and quantum randomness.

A LIVING ARTWORK
Quantum Collapses will undergo some evolutionary steps. At some point, all the outputs will display new animations on monthly basis. However, we believe in the power and beauty of memories and of history. It will always be possible to retrieve previous animations.

NOTES
The owners of the first 32 editions, minted after unpausing, can receive up to four additional signed prints of new images or grids of their edition chosen by them. Details can be found on the project website.

CONTROLS:
[mouse click]: Clicking on the shapes cause their collapse/reset
[mouse click]: Clicking on background toggles play/pause
[long press]: Hold mouse button down to reset all
[space] or [p]: Play/Pause
[i]: Reset all
[s]: Screenshot
[m]: Activates the microphone to enable interaction by sound

Quantum Collapses

Contrast Agent is a collaboration between artist Tim Richardson and creative technologist Sean Zellmer. The title refers to chemical agents used in CT scans that make soft tissue visible in x-ray imaging. We were inspired by the ways this process reveals our interior physiology, making the connection between our exterior and interior bodies transparent. 

Drawing on CT imaging, we explored fractal geometry as a visualization of human physiology. The geometry is constructed with cylindrical orbit traps that possess an inherent self-similarity. Much like the vascular system of the body, the orbit traps have a nested symmetric structure with finer details mirroring the overall structure. 

This symmetric structure became the core motif for the edition and is embodied as an infinite visual loop. Each unique artwork is bound to this temporal cycle, creating an animated ‘liquid physiology’ emblematic of the shifting realities we engage with on a daily basis.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Artist - Tim Richardson 
https://www.instagram.com/timrichardsontv
Richardson's work has been exhibited internationally and is in the Collections of Deutsche Bank and Sir Elton John. Three books have been published on his work, most recently the monograph Spiritual Machine by Prestel UK.

Creative Technologist - Sean Zellmer
https://www.instagram.com/lejeunerenard/
Sean Zellmer has made a piece everyday for 5+ years focusing on shaders. His work has been exhibited in Times Square as part of Decode Experiential and in São Paulo for FILE Festival 2018. He has collaborated with brands such as Lush and Vans.

Contrast Agent

Volute is the result of different stages of my experience in Generative Art over many years put together, drawing on early and new techniques plus my recent forays into long form generative art.

I set out to explore the essence of generative art, seeking, discovering, coaxing and exposing the variety of outputs from a simple system.

The soulless algorithm is counterbalanced by the exclusive use of colours from nature as prime sources. Brutal symmetries and complexities are softened by decentring and subtle layer transparencies. Pixel feedback loops generate radial symmetries and spirals, producing a variety of flower structures, volutes and arabesques. And when I view the results - their rhythm, their surprises, their flow - they justify for me my earlier choice of technical process.

My aim in Volute is to create, using gentle spiraling motion, the calming effect of marveling at flowers in nature.

Volute

Inspired by nature, executed by robots.

FLEUR is a tribute to the beauty and interrelation between nature and science that have amazed people for centuries. Exploration of mathematics as the language that explains the architecture of the physical world around us. Manifestation of what nature essentially is - complexity born from simplicity, beauty born from chaos, life born from matter.  Where does one stop and the other start?

Once painted, the canvas keeps evolving, living and breathing, capturing the little changes in the Universe overtime.

Check the features of your mint to see the story behind your FLEUR.

Art Blocks Presents

FOCUS #41

Matto

More in Art Blocks Presents

Quantum Collapses

Insigħt

Contrast Agent

Tim Richardson + Sean Zellmer

Volute

RVig

Fleur

AnaPet

Art

Company

Learn