Dots—A Contemplation of Color, Surface, and Materiality

Although they are but surfaces, their forms are not static. Although they are simply crocheted yarn, their basis in chaos theory and fractal mathematics, makes them give rise to numerous organic-like forms—sort of like cloud gazing.

Chaos theory and fractal mathematics have been the basis for many of the crocheted sculptural works that I have created in recent years—since the act of crocheting is inherently based on an application of mathematics.

“Chaos is the science of surprises, of the nonlinear and the unpredictable.”¹ It teaches us to expect the unexpected, to accept that some things are effectively impossible to predict or control, like turbulence, the weather, our brain states, and so on. Fractal mathematics is also found in the infinite complexity of nature—landscapes, clouds, trees, organs, rivers, et cetera—and “many of the systems in which we live exhibit complex, chaotic behavior. Recognizing the chaotic, fractal nature of our world can give us new insight, power, and wisdom.”² Understanding the interconnectedness of our ecosystems, social systems, and economic systems can hence help us avoid actions that may ultimately be detrimental to our long-term wellbeing.

Beyond their basis in chaos theory and fractal mathematics, the “DOTS” series has also accompanied me during a number of years of upheaval of various sorts, and thus also have a quite personal aspect. The most recent three “Dots”—Chemo Red, Tumor Black, and Radiant White—were created during my struggle with cancer over the past year. The relatively extreme three-dimensionality and plasticity of these three “DOTS” thus also not only reflects my highs and lows, emotions and thoughts during this period; their textures, organic forms, and malleability, at the same time also evoke the body’s plasticity and resilience in general.

Notes

1 See https://fractalfoundation.org/resources/what-is-chaos-theory/.

2 Ibid.

Views of the opening	performance by Lars Crosby
	Photos Luz Scherwinski