OrthoPlanes is an algorithm created as a tool to explore and express humanity's tendency to flatten, straighten and create right angles when adapting the environment for settlement and habitation. The algorithm generates a matrix of orthogonal planes based on user-defined parameters. At the simplest level it will generate a stack of modular cubes, however by applying rules to govern the geometry of the faces of each module, two dimensional planes are generated and arranged in three-dimensional space to create orthogonal formations. In this architectural/urban formation, the planes are biased towards long rectangles and have been given a significant range within which to generate. The actual dimensions are randomly generated, however as they follow a mathematical framework, each module shares the same general characteristics. The formation has no mass or volume, as each plane has no thickness. They are simply surfaces with contradictory properties; transparent on one side, and opaque and reflective on the other. The blended colours in the scenes are from reflections of the virtual sky and the tinting of the transparent surfaces. The formation has been created within a deep space setting with backdrop imagery from the Hubble Space Telescope. Life-size human figures have then been placed as explorers of the formation. The figures have been arranged to appear to engage with their setting, encouraging the viewer to share the engagement and bring the abstract and the impossible into reality. Virtual photograph techniques have been used to capture scenes within the setting. Through the use of different lenses, exposures and lighting settings, views 'through the lens' have been rendered that aim to capture the most photogenic aspects and views discovered within. No post-production has been applied, the images are raw, high resolution renders.
There is also an element of studio and 3d model photography as there is the opportunity to experiment with lighting and textures and add props to complete the scene for the best artistic effect.
Super-long-lens abstract graphic compositions combine with immersive, detailed three-dimensional scenes to create a collection of 10 unique artworks. The process combines coding, artistic texturizing, virtual
lighting and photographic technique to explore and express our relationship with the orthogonal.