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

On a cosmic stage, these actors sing an infinite song. What do they reach for? Who are they searching for? Do their faces show wonder—or sadness? Sometimes they sing for themselves, sometimes they sing for the crowd, and sometimes they sing for the void. Like us. (25% to environmental charities)

The Opera

Woah La Coaster is an exploration of simple yet emotive digital art. Each generative roller coaster aims to embody the same happy narrative that our inner child would experience at a summer carnival, surrounded by balloons in the daytime, beautiful skies in the afternoon, and glittering stars at night.

Inspired by visions of a wondrous childhood, background pallets are a pastel distillation of the best colors that a warm summer sky has to offer. Background elements, like hot air balloons, blimps and stars, utilise the vibrant primary colours that are found in the first box of pencils you would use as a child. The roller coaster itself harkens to a toy train set, carefully arranged on a fanciful track. These aspects merge into a single scene worthy of any kitchen fridge.

The owner of the NFT can acquire a set of four premium coasters with the unique artwork inscribed to enjoy a multi medium artwork. For more details visit [blockwares.io](https://blockwares.io).

Mints Ahoy

Woah La Coaster

Tens of thousands of particles are traversing the force field, leaving a trail in their path. The sum of their trails reveals the face of the eldritch horror hidden in a token hash. Some look like smoke, some look like tentacle-mouthed elder gods. What do YOU see there?

"Summoning Ritual" is an exploration of generating emergent pareidolia-inducing shapes using particles, symmetry, and a set of force fields. 5142 bytes of javascript is just enough to summon visions of ethereal beings.

Requires a WebGL-enabled browser. Renders in real-time. Speed and quality depend heavily on the canvas size (the particle size and count are functions of the canvas size). Keys l(ow),m(edium) and h(igh) switch rendering quality. Keys 1-5 control the rendering speed.

Any similarity to actual deities, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Summoning Ritual

Leaning into a retro 70s groove, the perfect art for your space-pad. The input is simple, just two tiles, but how they're rotated and placed, that's the magic.

Art Blocks Presents

70s Pop Series One #40

Daniel Catt

More in Art Blocks Presents

Contrast Agent

Tim Richardson + Sean Zellmer

The Opera

Luke Shannon

Woah La Coaster

Blockwares

Summoning Ritual

PZS

Art

Company

Learn