Grafik Dynamo

by Kate Armstrong and Michael Tippit

http://www.turbulence.org/Works/dynamo/

Grafik Dynamo consists of three frames of equal size, arranged similar to a comic strip. A series of images -- usually photos -- randomly appear in each of the panels, refreshing to bring new graphics every few seconds. Above the pictures, a randomly selected speech balloon containing a short statement or exclamation often appears. In addition, the panels have white retangular overlays across the bottom in which various short sentences or action statements often appear. Unlike the messages in the balloons, which appear to be random snippets of legitimate conversation, these short sentences are somewhat similar to the narration often found in comic books. The result is a constantly generating graphic novel of sorts.

One's mind searches to create a narrative to fit the random series of images and captions. It is amazing how often the pictures and words work together to create potential stories, both comic and tragic. At the least, Grafik Dynamo is an entertaining diversion. At best, it provides an interesting comment on the random quality of modern communication and artistic expression.