Overview
This experiment transforms scanned asemic calligraphy into generative, audio-reactive visuals using TouchDesigner. Inspired by temple environments, each glyph responds to specific sounds—bell, gong, ripple—drawing connections between sonic ritual and visual abstraction. It explores the rhythm of Buddhist chants as a non-literal, spiritual reading of sacred text.
Translating Ink Into Motion
Bell: Slow asemic glyph mapped to the sound of bell, with visuals resembling the bell striking when the volume increases.
Gong: Repetitive asemic glyph mapped to the sound of gong, with visuals rotating, pulsating and dramatically scaled when the volume increases.
Ripple: Fluid asemic glyphs mapped to the sound of ripple, with visuals flowing left and right, soft distortions and wave-like modulation, resembling ripples or the calm tide.
The calligraphy visuals pulsate, distort, or ripple based on the live input, creating a fluid dance of writing and sound. These reactions are intentional, rhythmic, and meditative—mirroring the sonic patterns of chanting.
The soundscape was created by layering recordings of Buddhist temple elements—bells,
gongs, flowing water—and processed to form a cyclical rhythm resembling a sutra chant.
Unlike conventional music, it avoids melody and instead builds a mantra-like cadence,
immersing the viewer in repetition and stillness.
This approach challenges the idea that writing must be read to be understood. Instead,
it channels the traditional way sutras are meant to be experienced: through voice,
breath, and rhythm. The asemic characters, stripped of literal meaning, become vessels
for feeling and resonance—inviting the viewer to feel rather than interpret.
Bell:
A single, slow asemic glyph represents the bell at the start of the
soundtrack. It gradually builds with the tempo, visually mimicking a
striking bell. Using TouchDesigner, a mirror effect forms a symmetrical bell
shape, while RGB delay gives it a glowing, ethereal aura. The bell pulses
gently at lower volumes, and at higher peaks, expands dramatically to
simulate the bell drawing near. Echo trails ripple into the background,
reinforcing the auditory atmosphere.
Ripple:
A fluid, water-inspired glyph mimics ripples on a water surface. The
visuals use feedback loops, trails, and blurred time displacement to create
a glistening, wave-like distortion—similar to the refraction shimmer you see
on the surface of moving water. These effects allow the glyphs to feel
suspended and ever-shifting, evoking a meditative flow.
Gong:
Multiple glyphs are arranged in a circular formation to reflect the
immersive depth of a resonating gong. When triggered by sound, the entire
ring rotates and pulses using depth modulation and echo-like scaling,
mirroring the expansive sonic vibration of a real gong. The visuals respond
with rhythmic intensity, appearing as if echoing through spiritual space.
Background Layout:
Behind the key glyphs, random asemic characters cascade vertically,
mimicking traditional Buddhist scripture writing from top to bottom. As the
volume increases, glyphs grow in scale and intensity—suggesting voice
projection in chanting. The layout is intentionally non-linear, forming
clusters rather than straight lines, representing fragmented memory,
timeless echo, and a spiritual space beyond literal interpretation.
Outcome Documentation
