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Dance of Iron

Abstract video

A screenshot of the video showing iron particles attracted by a magnet from above the tube

Project Name

​Dance of Iron

Year
2014

Type​​
Abstract video

You may recall witnessing the magic of magnetic fields in science classrooms. The sight of iron particles yielding to the influence of magnets, aligning themselves into captivating patterns along magnetic induction lines, is both a testament to the invisible forces of nature and an aesthetic delight.

I chose to redefine this well-known phenomenon by housing iron particles inside a test tube filled with water. Within this new environment, these iron particles behave somewhat akin to ink suspended in water, crafting an ethereal, dreamlike visual display. Unlike ink, however, these particles never dissolve in the water and remain susceptible to manipulation by magnetic fields, rendering an ever-changing dynamic scene.

Inspiration for this project was also drawn from traditional Chinese ink paintings, art forms celebrated for their profound simplicity and evocative use of varying shades of ink. Much like the shifting gradients in these paintings, the iron particles in the tu be manifest varying visual densities and movement, resembling a fluid, dynamic painting in motion.

Presented below is a visualisation of the magnetic field brought to life using iron powder. The resulting display not only illustrates the scientific principles behind magnetism but also blurs the boundaries between art and science, delivering a hypnotic experience that indulges viewers in an abstract dance of iron particles. In its essence, 'Dance of Iron' is a celebration of the natural world's unseen forces and their potential to create compelling art.

visualisation of the magnetic field brought to life using iron powder
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