Alien Architecture

Associating fractals with architectural design is not a new thing – I don’t make any claims there. In fact, fractal geometry was used as a basis for the design of places to live long before we had a name for it – especially in Africa. There’s a TED blog about this very thing – just search for fractal architecture and you’ll find it.

I, however, like to make fractals using no intent, then capture images according to what my imagination lets me see. The fantastic universes I am able to explore have their own landscapes and their own architecture, and the “creatures” that some of the flame fractals reveal are alien yet familiar. I like placing them in the alien worlds and imagining what might be unfolding.

For the Square Foot Show at the Westland Gallery in London, Ontario, I created two pieces of fractal art, each a 12×12″ metal print, with a hint at alien architecture in common. Keep in mind these photographs are of the metal prints themselves. As usual, they are tough to portray in photography because of the reflective surface, and you really need to see them in person – preferably in good light. For one reason or another these both ended up on the bottom row of the wall at the gallery – not ideal when they look their best with light bouncing into your eyes! However, there is literally more wonderful art per square foot in that gallery right now than there is for many galleries all year. This is a great show, and the opening night was packed with people. You could barely move around. It also happened to be pretty hot and humid that day – so many of us ended up just outside the door fanning ourselves. The ice cold drinks were going fast!

The show is on until August 12. Go check it out if you can.