Scan Modulation Sinusoidal Geometries

Scan Modulation – Sinusoidal Geometries is a unique electronic experimental visual and music composition, paying close attention to the different, but inter-connected various visual motifs present in video synthesis. Of particular interest, is the focus on background and foreground elements – each using a different means of visual synthesis generation. All visual elements have been synthesized, drawing inspiration from pioneering and classical means of creation. This includes oscillon, and oscillon-like formations – generated by modulating circle outlines in different planes of rotation to create jewel-like and lace-like formations. These formations have been inspired from oscilloscopic oscillons using vector graphics. Modulation of the video picture here replaced the vector display approach. Another approach was the generation of Spirographic designs, again using image manipulation, key-frame movements, and the superimposition of dozens of the fundamental animation, time-delayed to create the Spirographic motion, with rotations and movement to impart the integrity of the circular pattern. Lissajous-like patterns were inspired from real Lissajous curves. Curved lines were modulated with superimposed glows. These were then mirrored to give the visual impression of a Lissajous curve without actually being one. The oscillons, Lissajous patterns and Spirograph designs were created from many different approaches and combined based upon the level of complexity required. Another approach was the creation of the “galaxy” formations. These were oscillon-like modulations replicated and rotated to create the kaleidoscopic/Spirographic dot pattern. Added glows accentuated the dynamism of the complex animation. Other visual elements included the creation of background textures. Some textured backgrounds were animations based upon modulated lines. Others involved colourised video synthesis methods based upon sinusoidal gradients. The other kind of background element was the X-Y counter combination display (inspired by the EMS Spectron Video Synthesizer and it’s ability to create complex X-Y logic patterns based upon the AND, OR and XOR functions). Complex checkerboard patterns were created by logical means and animated to create very intricate dynamic designs based upon the X-Y counter logical operations through multiple layers of complexity in the video editing process. The background textures provide a reference context, while the superimposed Spirographic curves and mandalas provide a visual focus. All is in motion. All is dynamic. Like “cosmic weavings”, various video synthesis methods come into play. The music was composed from Eurorack modular synthesizer components – mostly atmospheric textures with surreal melody lines. These atmospheric sequences were then sped up or slowed down and synchronised to the images. Some signal-generated tones were added for extra emphasis effects. It was decided to have the sound design as complex as the visuals. The composition works as an educational display – providing visual possibilities to the viewer of some of the classic modes of video synthesis. Even the “vector graphics” were synthesized. The composition aims to inspire as well as to entertain, with the infinite variety of visual forms forming a celebratory composition of styles and approaches. The aim is to educate and inspire – to demonstrate what can be possible.