“0102 – Contactless Interaction (study)” offers a sensitive exploration of the interactions between the viewer and digital matter, in which fluid materials interact with rigid bodies.
Interaction
The installation invites reflection on the perception of movement and presence in hybrid environments, blending the tangible with the intangible.
Aesthetics
The visual universe of this installation is inspired by the graphic approaches of David Carson, Mat Cook, Ralph Moore (Intro studio) and Vaughan Oliver. The organic and fragmented compositions, typographic treatment and photographic distortions of these designers have a direct impact on the overall aesthetics of the installation.
Graphic and artistic references
Carson, D. (n.d.). Official website. https://www.davidcarsondesign.com
Intro. (n.d.). Official website. https://www.intro-uk.com
4AD. (2021, 7 June). The Vaughan Oliver Graphic Design Scholarship. https://4ad.com/news/7/6/2021/thevaughanolivergraphicdesignscholarship
Technique
This interactive piece is based on the original writing of a TouchDesigner file.
It relies on an Intel D435 depth capture device, which allows for precise motion detection, translated in real time into fluid and dynamic visual transformations.
The work is based on a personal adaptation of various codes and principles:
- a fluid simulation in GLSL – inspired by Bruno Imbrizi’s transcription to TouchDesigner (see Jos Stam, NVidia, Pavel Dobryakov)
- and real-time physical dynamics – based on the Bullet Solver module integrated into TouchDesigner.
Technical references
Imbrizi, B. (2020, 24 December). TouchDesigner _06 Fluid Simulation – Fast Fluid Dynamics Simulation in TouchDesigner [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k6H5Qa_fCE
Stam, J. (2003). Real-Time Fluid Dynamics for Games. In https://graphics.cs.cmu.edu/nsp/course/15-464/Spring11/papers/StamFluidforGames.pdf
Green, S. (2004). Fast Fluid Dynamics Simulation on the GPU. In Nguyen, H. (Ed.), GPU Gems (chap. 38). NVIDIA. https://developer.nvidia.com/gpugems/gpugems/part-vi-beyond-triangles/chapter-38-fast-fluid-dynamics-simulation-gpu
Dobryakov, P. (2017, October). WebGL Fluid Simulation [Source code]. GitHub. https://github.com/PavelDoGreat/WebGL-Fluid-Simulation
Derivative. (n.d.). Bullet Solver COMP – TouchDesigner Documentation. In https://docs.derivative.ca/Bullet_Solver_COMP
ph4se space. (2023, 8 December). CRT/analogue distorted TV screen effect (TouchDesigner tutorial) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rPiO73Ny_g
Installation created during an artist residency at TRAKK in Namur, in May and June 2025.
Acknowledgements
This project benefited from the attentive support of Charlotte Jeuniaux from TRAKK by KIKK, whose guidance helped to make the implementation of the project possible.
I would also like to thank David Ruydant and PM Gerard for their support during this project.
The project received material and financial support from TRAKK by KIKK and Wallonie Entreprendre, including the loan of a Panasonic Full-HD video projector and the provision of an exhibition space.
Acknowledgements
Arié van Egmond, https://www.arievanegmond.net
Maurice Benayoun + ppl @ ZA, https://www.benayoun.com
Pierre Buffin + ppl @ Buf Cie, https://www.buf.com
Stephen Venning + ppl @ themill, Great Marlborough Street.