Lost Calls of Cloud Mountain Whirligigs (2009-10) series consists of four different software artworks in lacquered frames with TFT displays & computers. The Lost Calls of Cloud Mountain Whirligigs, view 1, left and right was created in 2009 and view 2, left and right was created in 2010.

With the magical presence of book illustrations that have come to life Lost Calls of Cloud Mountain Whirligigs combines boredomresearchs playful use of computer modelling and poetic rendering to create an imagined world of intrigue and beauty. In this work boredomresearch make the natural progression from static landscapes made possible with computational technologies.

At the very peaks of a craggy mountain range live a population of imagined flying life forms called Whirligigs. These alluring beings, inspired by birds of paradise, flower petals and flying machines, spend their days above the mountain swishing their ornate plumed tails. As they tire they settle on wires, singing their melancholic songs before curling their tails and preparing for sleep.

The Whirligigs have a lifespan of a few days and as old Whirligigs are lost new ones are born. Each new Whirligig is unique, often brightly coloured with flamboyant tail plumage. When darkness comes they use their tails to give electrified displays, glowing and pulsating. The Whirligigs virtual world runs in real time shifting slowly through different light cycles, creating subtle plays of light in their imagined world. On a full moon the Whirligigs appear in silhouette taking on a mysterious quality.

Links:

Whirligig video documentation

Whirligig Image documentation

Interview on Whirligigs