Traces is a generative artwork in which the paths taken by thousands of virtual entities accumulates over time to create intricate layered imagery.

The installation consists of an ever changing collection of real-time generated images, projected onto a 12-feet wide wooden surface. The combination of the projector’s light and the wood’s grain creates a texture reminescent of pencil traces and embues the images with an organic quality.

A pull switch dangles from the ceiling near the projection surface. Viewers can pull the cord to reveal the position and movements of the invisible entities responsible for the generated image.

Traces was first shown at INIT LIVE ’09 in Toronto, Canada. The project is also featured in the book Written Images.