T
O
T
E
M

Symbols

of

Change

Concept

Totem: Symbols of Change is a unique collaboration between Beer van Geer and Studio Poca (Julie de Ruijter), aiming to transform the complexity and beauty of heartbeats into visual art. Utilizing the unique patterns in heartbeat data – specifically the interbeat intervals – they generate unique geometric shapes, creating a bridge between biology and art.

This generative art series is released via NFT technology with  Bright Moments, uncovers a new dimension of perceiving our own biological rhythm.

Collectors can choose to upload their own heartrate below, or get a randomised Totem with a heart rate series from our collection.

The Totem series, comprising of 100 exclusive pieces, has been launched on the Bright Moments Portal.

The series is not sold out yet! You can by your personal Totem nft below.

Contribute and Receive

Collectors who upload their heart rate data for the customization of their NFT will unlock a special feature that incorporates a “heartsquiggle” into their artwork. This signature will be placed as a personalized stamp in the bottom right corner of the artwork.

Personal ‘heartsquiggle’

Details

Each piece in the Totem series is born from heartbeat data. Collectors are given the choice to input their own heartbeat through an interactive ritual, or alternatively, a random anonymized heartbeat series from our database will be used. The minting technology behind this series is the ArtBlocks Engine, but instead of using the random hashstring that is normally utilised, the heartrate data is used in the creation process. The data is stored on ipfs and embedded as external asset on the blockchain. 

By capturing the inner movements trough biofeedback technology, a Totem visualises the intangible force behind our transforming lifes. Our art algorithm crafts dynamic lines that trace a path towards a central point, their motion dictated by the heartbeat input. As the heart rate fluctuates, so do the lines – rising with an increased heartbeat and falling with a decreased one. This interplay creates a dynamic wave effect, forming an interplay of light and shadow, and revealing unique shapes.

Every line originates from a basic geometric shape chosen randomly based on the data. Other features such as line thickness and the quantity of lines are also determined randomly by the data. Despite the simplicity of these elements the system offers a wide variety of possible variations.

Heart rate data holds a captivating allure for generative art. It is a unique biological signature, rhythmically charting the ebb and flow of our very existence. By using this data as a raw material for art creation, we infuse a deeply personal, living element into the art-making process, creating pieces that are not only visually appealing but also intimately tied to the life force of an individual.

 Geometry

Each Totem consists out of two geometryical shapes stacked upon each other, randomly chosen by use of heart rate data.

Triangle

Cubic

Round

Square

Cubic Inverted

Round Inverted

Cubic Wave

Round Wave

Sizes

There are several sizing categories the algorithm can choose from.

Expand

Introspect

Unveil

Surrender

Emerge

Unfold

Renewal

Nourish

Line Types

All Totems are build out of a certain amount of lines and can be drawn horizontlly, vertically or a combination of both.
The linetypes are handpicked by the artists and randomly selected by the input of the heart rate data.

Ethereal

Vertical

Balanced

Vertical

Concrete

Vertical

Balanced

Horizontal

Feather

Horizontal

Reduced

Horizontal

Ethereal

Horizontal

Sketch

Vertical

Matrix

Combo 1

Matrix

Combo 2

Matrix

Combo 3

Grounding

Vertical

Shaded

Vertical

Ratio’s

The upper and bottom shapes can differ in size, creating a unique feel to them. This is defined with a decimal with a range between 0.25 and 0.85.

Ratio Sample 0.25

Ratio Sample 0.5

Ratio Sample 0.85

Project History

The Totem project, now in its second year, began with the heartbeats of Julie and Beer’s close family and friends, birthing the Totem tribe. The first series was a unique fusion of generative digital forms and hand-drawn elements by Julie. Our new series has successfully automated Julie’s artistic style, transitioning from the analog drawing process to digital generative art.

Our first series has been proudly exhibited in numerous venues, most notably the esteemed Stedelijk Museum in Schiedam, Netherlands, as part of the ‘Spiritual Urgency’ exhibition.

We did several exhibitions where we created custom Tomems with the visitors. The data we recorded over the years acts as the base for the new Totem serie : Symbols of Change.

Excerpt of tv show by Avro/Tros on Dutch Television.

The Artists

BeervanGeer

BeervanGeer is a studio for development for interactive media design with focus on exploration of human consciousness. His focus lays on making the invisible world visible by making use of generative art and sensor data.

His work has been picked up the last years in the generative art scene through his series on ArtBlocks, Plottables, Blockart and now BrightMoments.

Studio Poca

As Studio Poca, Julie de Ruijter develops ritualistic artworks and interactive rituals, exploring the intuitive, visual and symbolic realm. Merging the tangible and intangible to explore the transformative potential of ritual. Julie’s work is an invitation to reconnect with our bodies and feelings in an intuitive way.

Drawing on her background as a fashion and textile designer,
Julie’s work merges traditional textile techniques with contemporary elements, shaped by natural rhythms and the mystical.

Studio Poca

Beer van Geer