ABIOGENESIS
Video, 12:36 min
The Abiogenesis artwork transcends the physical confines of the gallery space, delving into biological theories that conceptualise the origins of life. Inspired by Alexander Oparin’s 1924 theory of abiogenesis, which describes the formation of the first inanimate building blocks of existence, in other words the Primordial soup.
The piece reimagines and investigates existential cycles of change and evolution through artistic symbolism and augmented reality. Natural forces such as water and wind waves, merge with esoteric elements drawn from prehistoric mythologies, symbolising themes like power, regeneration, and renewal. Microelements are used to signify the complexity of the human mind, contrasting against the vast scale of universal processes. The installation emphasises viewer interaction through carefully orchestrated frequencies, visual illusions, and transitions, creating a cohesive interplay between natural forces and abstract forms.
This ephemeral, cyclical process draws attention to inception itself: a paradoxical state that cannot be touched, seen, or captured, yet cannot be dismissed as nothingness. The starting point is elusive and momentary, yet it perpetually reappears as initiation unfolds within every moment.
.jpg)
The Abiogenesis installation is a site-specific, immersive audiovisual project created for Art’otel London Hoxton, utilising eight projectors across two walls to deliver a panoramic experience. The installation comprises five distinct visual segments—four displayed on one wall and a fifth on the opposite—each with its own animation developed using TouchDesigner software. Designed to maximize spatial dynamics, the work integrates augmented reality and digital projections to create an engaging, multi-layered environment.
The immersive installation, inspired by Oparin’s theory, unfolds in five acts, mirroring the traditional four stages of life—birth, growth, reproduction, and death—while introducing a fifth: the afterlife. These acts reflect transitional, boundless states where each phase seamlessly transforms into the next in a continuous, evolving narrative. There is no finality; existence is depicted as an infinite ritual of modification.
Birth: The emergence of organic molecules from inorganic elements is captured through fluid, morphing visuals of water and light, accompanied by electric pulses. These dynamic animations evoke the raw energy of creation, immersing the viewer in the primordial soup where life begins to take form.
Growth: As simple molecules evolve into complex polymers, intricate, interconnected patterns expand and transform across the screens. This stage represents the gradual emergence of order from chaos, with layered frequencies symbolizing the structural complexity of life.
Reproduction: Self-replicating systems come to life in fractal-like, rhythmic animations that cycle and evolve. The visuals reflect the recursive nature of life, where continuity and transformation coexist in a never-ending loop of regeneration.
Death: The process of natural selection is portrayed through dissolving, fragmenting forms, contrasting with resilient patterns that persist. These transitions explore the tension between decay and renewal, illustrating the inevitability of impermanence and the continuous reshaping of life.
Afterlife or Derealisation: Successful molecules evolve into complex organisms, depicted through ethereal, reappearing motifs that grow and integrate. This stage symbolizes philosophical transmission of memory and the ongoing legacy of life, where each generation leaves a trace in the ever-evolving biosphere.
By rearranging the order of the five stages, the artist encourages viewers to interpret the visuals uniquely, reflecting the personal and fluid nature of each life’s journey.
In the Abiogenesis installation, the synergy between audio and visual components is integral to the immersive experience. The audio-layer serves as a dynamic digital coating that shapes the perception of the visuals, creating a responsive and interactive atmosphere. The installation achieves a seamless integration of sound and visuals, by using the TouchDesigner for visualisation and interactive design. The audio compositions are structured to adapt dynamically to visual content, with video rendering directly tied to the sound. Changes in audio—such as shifts in intensity, frequency, or tonality—are immediately reflected in the visuals. For instance, variations in the rhythm and intensity of percussion instruments influence the movement and speed of visual elements, ensuring a cohesive synchronization between the auditory and visual layers. This approach allows the installation to maintain harmony and responsiveness at every level, highlighting the depth of its digital interactivity.
Abiogenesis is an immersive video and audio installation initially created and conceptualised by Sofia for the Art’otel Hoxton exhibition space. The art piece is divided into 5 displays, covering the wall size of the gallery space. The vast dimension creates a sense of immensity and allows the audience to be fully immersed into the Abiogenesis universe.
19 November - 1 December 2024 - Abiogenesis / Art’otel Hoxton, London UK
-min.jpg)
