In his project “Malwarez”, Romanian Visual Artist, Designer and Programmer Alex Dragulescu creates a visual Encyclopedia of computer threats that include viruses, spyware, malware and other forms of menacing code.
Dragulescu tracks elements of each entities’ disassembled code “API calls, memory addresses and subroutines”; after which the variables of frequency, density and grouping are mapped using an algorithm that generates a virtual 3D likeness for each different “species” of code. These “Artificial Organisms” thus become constructed from the components of the code they represent; creating a visual reflection that uses both the artist’s interpretation, and the direct source of inspiration. Additionally, Dragulescu directly cites the sources of each individual code/organism; giving a date and online address to the original malicious code that was broken down and analysed to fuel the 3D visualisation.
I found this project particularly interesting because it looks towards computing for the subject matter as well as the medium. As someone new to the world of coding and computation, I find the mysticism as something that sands as a barrier between those interested and those involved. However, in taking that and using the medium to communicate concepts in a creative way, Dragulescu demystifies the medium while also dismaying the idea that these concepts are in any way dry and uninteresting. The 3D models generate a wealth of questions and intrigue into what elements differentiate each “organism” from each other and made each of the resulting pieces so visually captivating and intriguing; with depth and detail that brings to life concepts that exist primarily and only in coding languages only known to those familiar with computing.
I like how these 3D models are called “organisms” because the labeling seems to capture Dragulescu’s intent to transform an abstract concept into life. Although the results are driven by the numeric data of particular viruses and malware, it reminds me of fine arts that uses abstract forms and elements to create a visual definition of an invisible concept. His works that you’ve included in this blog posts look menacing. The third one looks like some sort of biological virus. Or maybe my perception has been influenced by knowing that these works use data from evil computer codes.
It’s really cool how Dragulescu brings these representations of computer threats to life in such an artistic way. It would be really interesting to hear about his process when he’s creating these 3D visualizations
I like how Dragulescu visualizes malware and viruses; the images almost look like they’re viruses from the viewpoint of a microscope. It would be interesting to learn more about his process and how he goes from code to 3D.
This looks so sy-fy like. It looks like one of those creatures you see in a movie like Prometheus or really tiny bacteria from the 2003 and hulk movie. They also look like they behave like regular human cells and have the same properties. I guess that’s why they are called “organisms”.
This gives off a very surreal vibe when I look at it. if you have ever seen pictures of the game “little big planet” I can fully imagine these 3d models being part of the world.I was wondering if the visualization for these viruses could be applied to other fields of science.
It’s really cool to see computer threats like this visualized this way. It almost gives it a personality, like an identifiable enemy that we can more easily identify and visualize in our minds. Did he make these kinds of visualizations for anything else?
It’s really cool how Dragulescu is able to translate an abstract thought into something concrete using code. His works really does look like something you’d see under a microscope in bio class. I wonder what his process is like in creating these “organisms.”
The produced art looks like a microscopic creature or a cell, and the artist achieved that very successfully. If this art was in a science textbook, I will not doubt anything about it. I wonder where this artist got his inspiration to create such interesting art.
Awesome post! It’s so cool that Dragulescu uses a threat such as a virus to create something a work of art. I wonder why he calls all of his at pieces “organisms”? They do look a little like bacteria. I wonder if he ever intended his “organisms” to move around. I also wonder what his algorithms look like for 3D mapping.
I really like the art work the 3d art looks like something biological. In a way, it looks like a microorganism zoomed in. His 3d models really give a more in depth look at things that are so small that we cant see but if we could we would have realized how interesting they are. Great selection on this topic.
I think you would also like the work of Marius Watz : http://mariuswatz.com/ He works in similar forms, generative and organic.
I find it really interesting the way that these representations of malware and viruses represent and look like actual single cell organisms. It makes you think about how these pieces of software were coded and how they compare to actual bacteria and viruses that attack living organisms.
This is really well written Kamau! I love your point about computation being the subject as well as the medium, and it’s role in demystifying something that can seem too technical or dense for many to understand. One thing that has been revealed to me time and time again throughout this class is how interesting and beautiful code can actually be. Brilliant article and great choice in topic.