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“Link” is series of 28 generative stop-motion loops, with each sequence comprising between 32 and 224 individual long-exposure photographs. Each frame of the sequence is obtained through a long-exposure capture (~30 seconds) of a vertical LED array in motion, resulting in precise, three-dimensional light-trail geometries. The custom hardware system combines several synchronized elements: individual LEDs that can be programmed for specific colors and brightness levels; an XY plotter with a 30×30cm range that controls the position and movement of the LED array; captured with a DSLR camera in bulb mode. All components operate within a light-controlled black box environment, controlled by custom software that synchronizes the camera shutter, plotter movement, and LED behavior. Each frame takes around 1 minute to be produced, with a complete loop taking several hours.

The geometric compositions made of light and movement appear to float in a dark environment, where the reflections of the shapes are visible on the ground/floor, exposing the physicality of these ephemeral forms.

This process and its accompanying research were developed for a commission by organizers of an Italian electronic music festival, though the event was ultimately cancelled. The initial concept (from 2012) included a large-scale installation using a custom system with industrial cranes. The research continued independently and extensively, resulting in the series “Link”.

To maintain the photographic origin of the project, the playback of each edition is handled by a custom script that sequences the individual images. The scale, direction, and speed can be modified interactively. Each edition contains two image sets: Full-resolution images, direct from the camera sensor, only slightly cropped, with metadata intact at 4000px per side. A smaller, lighter version at 1400px for smooth playback.

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Gysin-Vanetti 2023-25

https://link.gysin-vanetti.com