These images are composed of the layered trajectories followed by millions of particles as they flow in fields of forces. Each individual trajectory is essentially an independent random process, with the trail terminating when it reaches a deposition zone. Collectively, however, the paths combine to form delicate complex shapes of filigree and shadow in the areas of negative space that the paths don’t reach.
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At first glance there appear to be definite shapes and forms outlined in the final images, but closer inspection reveals this effect to be ephemeral. Over time, as particles deposit they create a growing region that future particles will not be able to enter. Subtle shadow-like structures form in the areas that trails no longer reach, reflecting the growth of the termination zone. There are no actual defined boundaries, simply intricately structured gradients of tone formed by the end points of trajectories.
These images can be seen as the natural duals of the Aggregation images. Whereas the images from the Aggregation series directly show the deposited structures themselves, these images illustrate the other side of the same processes: the paths followed by particles before they deposit.
To capture the detail, the original images were created at an extremely high resolution of 16,384 pixels. The images displayed by clicking on the above thumbnails have been scaled down to less than 1/20th of the original size for internet viewing.
Detail from original high resolution image:
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