Hormonium

Text Stream 8

“Hormonium” (Text Stream 8) is a generative artwork that presents sequences of ocean waves crashing and releasing airborne text particles. The text represents acronyms of hormones that are released in accordance with human time-cycles, illustrating chronobiology.

The piece exhibits circadian rhythms (one cycle every 24 hours), hence releasing more cortisol, progesterone and testosterone in the morning, FSH and LH in the afternoon, and oestradiol and prolactin at night.

“Hormonium” also exhibits ultradian rhythms (cycles shorter than a day, but longer than an hour) which are described by changes in the levels of leptin and ghrelin, for example; and infradian rhythms (cycles longer than a day) that cause fluctuations in estrogen, FSH, progesterone and LH over a period of 28 days. Finally, the piece ages over a 90-year cycle, charting a decrease, for example, in the levels of aldosterone, calcitonin, GH, and renin, and a rise in cortisol. After 90 years, the work resets.

The selected hormones represented by the artwork are as per the following.

General info

Year of creation:
2022

Standalone

Technique:
Custom-generative code, computer, 4K display
Power:
300W on 110 OR 240V, plus the monitor needs
Dimensions:
Variable
Edition:
6 Editions, 2 AP
Collectors:
private collectors

Treatment

Technique:
Custom-generative code, computer, projector
Power:
800W on 110 OR 240V, plus the projector needs
Dimensions:
Variable
Edition:
1 Edition, 1 AP

Exhibitions


Credits

  • Programming: Hugo Daoust
  • Production Assistance: Fanny Asselin, Karine Charbonneau, Olivier Groulx, Guillaume Tremblay, Tracy Valcourt

Bibliography