About the Project
Artwork Title: Being Blue, Being Green: Generative Decay
Medium: Interactive Generative Art
Venue: Oriel Gallery, Clotworthy House, Antrim Castle Gardens, Antrim, BT41 4LH
Date Exhibited: 12 September – 18 October 2024
Hosted by: Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council
Project Overview
Being Blue, Being Green invites an immersive exploration of color, emotion, environment, and politics, with a particular focus on the devastating effects of environmental pollution on aquatic ecosystems. The exhibition draws on the symbolic power of blue and green—colors that evoke contrasting emotional states and societal issues. Blue suggests calm, sadness, and vastness, while green embodies both the health and sickness of nature, as well as growth and decay.
The exhibition specifically addresses the tragic transformation of Lough Neagh’s ecosystem, caused by blue-green algae blooms that have become a toxic plague due to human activity. This exhibition becomes an urgent meditation on our relationship with nature, emphasizing the need for sustainable care and urgent action.
Generative Decay
The centerpiece of the exhibition, Generative Decay, uses interactive generative art to explore the effects of pollution on water ecosystems. Through digital interaction—clicking and dragging the mouse—the audience can trigger the spread of toxic algae blooms, reflecting the pervasive consequences of environmental damage. Unlike static artworks, Generative Decay evolves in response to user input, making the work dynamic and reflective of the ongoing environmental changes. As the user interacts with the artwork, they directly influence the visual progression of the piece, underlining the delicate balance of nature and the critical role of human behavior in the planet’s health.
The Intersection of Generative Art and Immersive Installation
Generative Decay is not only a standalone digital art piece but is also a stepping stone toward the development of immersive installations. By linking generative art with interactive environments, this project demonstrates how technology can enhance the immersive experience, creating dynamic, evolving spaces that engage viewers in new and impactful ways. This work aims to expand into more immersive forms, where physical space and digital art merge to deepen the audience’s connection with the themes of environmental crisis and human intervention.
Artistic Development and Support
The techniques used in Generative Decay were shaped by my completion of the Generative Arts Professional Skills course at Creative Futures Academy in 2024. This course, led by Joachim Pietsch (IADT) and workshops by Dr. Selçuk Artut (Sabancı University), deepened my understanding of generative design and geometric patterns, which are now integral to my practice. I also received an Arts Council of Ireland Agility Award in 2024, which has allowed me to further expand and refine this work, moving towards creating immersive art installations that explore the intersection of generative technology, the environment, and societal themes.
Exhibition Context
‘Being Blue, Being Green‘ was exhibited with the Shore Collective, a group that fosters collaboration among Fine and Applied artists, musicians, and writers, providing affordable studio space and promoting cultural enrichment in the rural region of Northern Ireland. Through this partnership, the exhibition became a platform for raising awareness of environmental issues while offering a glimpse into the potential of generative and immersive art as tools for change.
PROJECT FUNDERS & PARTNERS
