Ryoji Ikeda - test pattern

Ryoji Ikeda's new project test pattern forms part of the artist's ongoing datamatics series.

test pattern is a system that converts any type of data (text, sounds, photos and movies) into barcode patterns and binary patterns of 0s and 1s. Through its application, the project aims to examine the relationship between critical points of device performance and the threshold of human perception.

In this first edition of the project, an audiovisual installation, test pattern involves a sequence of tests for machines and humans, comprising visual patterns converted and generated from sound waveforms in real–time.

The installation comprises 8 computer monitors and 16 loudspeakers aligned on the floor in a dark space. The 8 rectangular surfaces of the screens flicker intensely with black and white images, floating and convulsing in the darkness. 16–channel sound signals are mapped as a grid matrix, passing and slicing the space sharply. Via a real–time computer program, the signal patterns are converted into 8 barcode patterns, which are tightly synchronized. The velocity of the moving images is ultra–fast, some hundreds of frames per second at certain points, providing a performance test for the devices and a response test for visitors' perceptions.

As part of this project, and driven by the same concept, test pattern CD is released on German label raster–noton on 25 February 2008.

Exhibition

1 Mar – 25 May 08 | datamatics (solo exhibition) | Yamaguchi Center for Arts and Media, JP

Commissioned by Yamaguchi Center for Arts and Media (YCAM)
Photos: Ryuichi Maruo, courtesy of Yamaguchi Center for Arts and Media (YCAM) (R)

Related links

Ryoji Ikeda
datamatics – [solo exhibition]

Further information for presenters of Forma projects

Professional