Trigonometria/ Trigonometry (2017-2019)

A collaboration between artist Julia Zamboni and the computational physicist Disrael Camargo, the "Trigonometry" series represents an exploration of the intersection of traditional tile mural art and digital media. Inspired by the iconic tile murals of Athos Bulcão, a prominent figure in Brazilian art and architecture, this series seeks to reimagine Bulcão's geometric abstractions and "open poetic" approach through computational techniques.

Athos Bulcão's influence on Brazilian architecture during the mid-20th century is profound, particularly in constructing Brasilia, the nation's modern capital. His distinctive tile murals, characterized by geometric patterns and abstract designs, are emblematic of his unique artistic vision. By seamlessly integrating his murals with architectural structures, Bulcão transformed public spaces into immersive art experiences, leaving an indelible mark on Brazil's cultural landscape.

Motivation

The motivation behind the "Trigonometry" series is to pay homage to Athos Bulcão's artistic legacy while pushing the boundaries of traditional tile mural art through digital innovation. By harnessing the power of computational techniques, the series aims to breathe new life into Bulcão's aesthetic principles, fostering a dialogue between past and present, tradition and innovation.

Athos Bulcão's work is characterized by its geometric abstraction and "open poetic" approach. He designed modular tile modules arranged non-periodic by construction workers. This collaborative process resulted in dynamic and visually engaging compositions that transcended traditional notions of mural art. The "Trigonometry" series seeks to emulate this approach by utilizing cellular automaton as a computational model to generate self-organizing and dynamic patterns within the murals.

Methodology

The methodology employed in creating the "Trigonometry" series centers around using cellular automaton as a computational model for generating the murals. Cellular automaton, pioneered by mathematicians John von Neumann and Stanislaw Ulam, explores the emergent behavior of simple elements governed by local rules.

The murals consist of two levels of tessellation structure: large squares (tiles) and small triangles. Each tile has predefined states and rules governing the evolution of its constituent cells. Following these rules, the murals undergo continuous and dynamic transformations, resulting in visually mesmerizing compositions.

Case Studies

The results of each mural in the "Trigonometry" series showcase the intricate patterns, design choices, and visual effects achieved through the computational approach. Case studies for each mural (Trigonometry I-VI) provide insights into the unexpected discoveries made during creation. 

Reflecting on the implications of using cellular automaton as a creative tool, the "Trigonometry" series opens up new possibilities for generating dynamic and self-organizing mural art. By embracing digital technologies, the series expands upon Athos Bulcão's artistic principles, demonstrating the potential of computational art to evolve and innovate within the realm of traditional tile mural art. By reimagining Athos Bulcão's aesthetic legacy through digital media, the series offers a perspective on the enduring appeal of geometric abstraction and "open poetic" means.