Context

Rhythm and art have bee intertwined for almost as long as either have existed. While many visual forms utilize rhythm in the form of pattern, repetition in either form or content, we wanted to examine rhythm in its most basic form. Taking inspiration from an experience of "play" most people share: clapping in kindergarten, we wanted to create a generative, fun, interactive work.

Some of the things we were inspired by are a TED talk with a one-man performance utilizing common items to examine rhythm. Our program, created with Java and Processing, took inspiration from audio-visual bridges such as the iTunes visualizer and pixel music 3000, which had a similar feel of color-changing objects on screen whose size reflected how loud the input was. The idea of visualizing sound to allow us another dimension of interactivity is well explored in the "demoscene" phenomenon, where real or virtual processes are automatically translated into visual effects.We wanted to both tap into this vivid digital subculture and connect  it to childhood or everyday experiences.