Acoustically Enhanced Video Feedback

Two mirrors, when placed in direct opposition to each other, will form what appears to be an endless cavern, which fades into darkness as the reflecting light is scattered in all directions. The electronic version of this effect is produced when pointing a video camera directly at a TV monitor that is attached to it; with sufficient distance between camera and display, rectangular frames will dissolve into a snowy center spot, and this effect has enjoyed both artistic and popular acclaim since the 1960s.

Melodicon enhances this phenomenon because compression anomalies in the video stream are enhanced by simple rules associating color attributes with pitch frequencies. Such geometrical artifacts "feed" successive generations of images, which are even further exaggerated by the affects of sound. At full speed, this effect can be overwhelming because it is complicated in both its form and its motion through time. Objects appear that sometimes take on life-like qualities by feeding upon, combining with, attracting or repelling each other, and fragmenting into hundreds of pieces that subsequently expand or contract due to invisible forces.

The image galleries presented here are a small sampling of the many thousands collected and reviewed in the course of testing Melodicon. In an attempt to organize the images, a taxonomic classification system was devised. However, most of the images defy any attempt at categorization, and currently reside in the final album, which is titled "Unclassified."

Cosmological events of all varieties are suggested here, from exploding stars to imaginary views of alien worlds. Though seemingly devoid of life, these images call to mind the primordial conditions that set the stage for the creation of life itself.

Atmospheric

Heavenly cloudscapes and other nebulous wonders are found here. The sky can be furious one moment, and gentle the next. We are all subject to its whims, but read our own messages in its curious formations.

Geomorphic

Solid earth is forged from pure light. If the integrity of these masses is imaginary, the perception of their stature is at least real. What forces have shaped these cascading ranges? Are they truly bound by gravity?

Igneous

The inferno of light is dramatically evident here. Fiery miasmas and violent bursts of plasma suggest a very inhospitable environment. At times, it seems as if the page itself has been enveloped in flames.

Botanomorphic

Chili peppers, ginger root, and other stalks, fronds, seeds, spores, and leaves are created with a new form of photosynthesis. The life force driving this vegetation is not of this earth, nor are there any parts that are edible.

Cellular

Single-celled creatures mill about in small groups, as if waiting for a call to action. Their protoplasm forms limpid pools of genetic material, a picture of ultimate complexity wrapped in the simplest of packages.

Physiomorphic

As if with x-ray intensity, light shines through the body and illuminates the structures within. Is there any more to it than what is seen here?

Zoomorphic

All creatures great and small are seen roaming the peaceable kingdom of sound and light. What new beasts could be created by their own howls? Their evolution is swift, if chaotic.

Anthropomorphic

Look closely and you might see yourself dancing a tango with light. With some imagination, you might even be able to step into this virtual realm to rub elbows with the specters within. Would they be so willing to step into your world as well?

Geometric

Euclidean forms assemble themselves with intricate precision. The grid is a network lattice that is poised to deliver some form of mechanical advantage. And, the energy source it taps is apparently inexhaustible.

Symbolic

As if trying to tell us something, these images spell out messages that are both blatant and subtle, as well as both literal and figurative. There may be more to this than meets the eye, but what is there is remarkable in its own right.

Granular

Like millions of grains of sand, or galaxies strewn through the cosmos, tiny flecks of black and white combine to form imagery that is more than just the sum of its parts. Like static on the radio, you may be able to perceive a voice if you listen very carefully, with your eyes.

Urbomorphic

It may be possible to hear the meshing of diesel-powered gears, if you dare to venture into this quasi-urban realm. The machinations of the city seem to operate on their own volition, until we realize that its pulse is driven by human activity.

Unclassified

Unlike many official documents, this group is open to view by the world at large. In this case, that which is exceptional becomes the standard rule: individuality prevails over conformity.