Flock

Flock is a generative abstract artwork that exists in a state of continuous evolution. Two swarms of particles drift through an invisible flow field, governed by Perlin noise. The two flocks orbit their own centers but are often drawn toward each other when disturbed. This effect helps to capture the nature of a naturally occurring group witnessed in nature, such as a school of fish or flock of birds. The piece responds in real time to the viewer's presence. I utilized MediaPipe hand tracking through the webcam in order to make the position and velocity of the index finger becomes a directional force. If a user is gesturing slowly they will pull the flock in a gentle current and a fast flick sends particles rushing in the direction of movement. When the hand changes direction suddenly, a soft tone rings. This pitch is drawn from a pentatonic scale so that every interaction feels musical and intentional. When the hand leaves the frame, the silence returns, and the sound is never the same twice. Color cycles through the flocks continuously through the full spectrum, shifting slowly. Each particle carries a slight individual color offset in order to give the mass a shimmering, iridescent quality that rewards close attention. This project was in p5.js with MediaPipe Hands for computer vision. Flock draws on the visual language of natural systems, flocking behavior, sea life, fluid dynamics, bioluminescence, while remaining abstract. There is no narrative, no objective, no correct way to interact. The viewer is not a user but a participant, the piece is never the same twice. This piece is asking what it means to conduct rather than control. How does one influence a system rather than command it?