Experience with Stroomversneller: Yan Paul Dubbelman - Synthetic Nature-Clouds

Every time we look up at the sky, we see something new. Every person has an unconscious connection to the sky; we even talk about “the Dutch sky.” Yan Paul Dubbelman is interested in recreating these natural symbols through computer simulations.

Synthetic Natural Clouds

"The clouds are simulated in a digital world that incorporates all natural principles; air pressure, temperature, humidity, and turbulence combine to create recognizable and realistic shapes. The creator has complete control over all elements, and every adjustment—a little more wind, a few degrees warmer—results in an entirely new shape. These 3D models are currently rendered digitally by simulating light, but they can also be used as physical objects by 3D printing them or similar methods."

The modern software used in this project is commonly used for films, marketing, and illustration, but rarely for artistic expression. This technology has now advanced to the point where images and digital models can be simulated that are indistinguishable from real phenomena. Although the software is difficult to master, it is possible for a small group of designers to create images that can fool the vast majority of people. I am very curious to see what kind of impact this will have in the future. The technology is far outpacing media literacy, and I want to spark that conversation with compelling images.

In the future, we may plan to incorporate these simulations into a “real-time” presentation in which we see the sky slowly filling with clouds; this simulation would then be part of an online or offline exhibition.

"Thanks to the stroomversneller , I stroomversneller focus on my personal interests during the pandemic and use my skills to tell stories that I had previously only told in my head. I’ve also seen myself grow as a person, and I now engage with my clients on a deeper level—in a more artistic way, so to speak—which sets me apart from other 3D designers."

You can find more information about Yan Paul Dubbelman here.

About Stroomversneller

Stroomversneller a grant program that supports new initiatives in their artistic development by giving them room to experiment. The goal is to help these initiatives gain momentum in an accessible way, without too many restrictions or obligations.

Click here for more information about Stroomversneller.