Torrential Forms is an audiovisual installation based on file-sharing technology, specifically the BitTorrent protocol. It examines the patterns that emerge through the algorithms used in the protocol. BitTorrent transfers of audio books are recorded in real time as they are shared and downloaded.
The filesharing process downloads fragments of the file in an unpredictable manner, from multiple users, and then assembles them into one local copy. These download patterns are what are the foundation of the installation. The fragments of the audiobooks are played through six audio channels, reflecting download speed and geographic location of the peer from whom the fragment is downloaded.
The process is visualised through two projections: one showing the local assembly of the file, and the other showing the peers location in the world. Finally, patterns based on the local assembly are displayed on screenprinted canvases, as well as animated on the facade of the Collegium Hungaricum Berlin.
Exhibitions:
2014 – A-EYE An exhibition of art and nature-inspired computation at Goldsmith’s University of London (Second prize).
2013 – Re-New 2013 Digital Arts Festival in Copenhagen, Denmark.
2013 – Transitio_MX 05, Mexico City (Nominated for Transitio_MX Prize)
2013 – Textival Literature Festival in Gothenburg, Sweden.
2013 – Sound Devices, a series of curated sound-literature events at Rathmines Library in Dublin. (Sound only)
2013 – Collegium Hungaricum Berlin (CHB) in collaboration with Transmediale Festival and CTM.13 Festival.
