Curiosity Blocks

Digital Art for NTT InterCommunication Center (ICC)

This work was created for an exhibition aimed at introducing children to the fun of coding. It is an animation using a technique called anamorphosis, where images are distorted in advance to appear correctly when reflected in a cylindrical mirror; essentially, a moving anamorphosis. Multiple animation parts are combined to represent the idea that new discoveries are born when curiosity connects and overlaps. The artist, who is also a printmaker, superimposed the relationship between a block and a print onto the relationship between the image on the display and the image in the mirror.

Download Press Kit № 170876

Download Press Kit № 170876 Digital Art for NTT InterCommunication Center (ICC) by Yuko Suzuki to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.

Available Now for Your Next Story

At communication|newsroom, we understand the pressures and deadlines journalists face. That’s why we offer exclusive access to our curated press kits and high-resolution images, tailored for accredited journalists. These resources are designed to enrich your stories with depth and visual appeal, spotlighting the world's most innovative designs.

Please Note:

• Credit the work's creator and/or photographer.
• Mention communication|newsroom as your source.
• Share your published pieces with us; we love to celebrate and promote your work on our platform and social media.

Let’s Collaborate: Your stories matter. communication|newsroom is here to support you with quality, accessible content. Once you are accredited, reach out for the images and content you need. We will provide the specific images and content directly, along with recommendations on works to feature.

Get Accredited Easily: Quick access to our resources requires media accreditation. Apply for media accreditation to join our network and start exploring a wealth of design stories.

Curiosity Blocks by Yuko Suzuki

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Digital Art by Yuko Suzuki

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Yuko Suzuki Curiosity Blocks

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Yuko Suzuki Digital Art

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

NTT InterCommunication Center ICC Brand Logo

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Unique Properties

This work is an animation that uses a technique called anamorphosis, in which images are drawn that are distorted in advance so that they will look correct when reflected in a cylindrical mirror. The artist used a technique of combining multiple animation parts to imagine how curiosity connects and overlaps to create new knowledge and discoveries.

Tags

Generative Art, Coding, Trick Art

Production Technology

This work was created using a programming language called Processing. The animation is designed with a structure that combines multiple parts like blocks, and has a layered structure for each color like a print. 16 different animation parts and their variations were created, and the program transformed them from a flat surface to a circular shape.

Design Challenge

The most difficult part was converting the flat animation into a circular animation using a program, and then experimenting to see if the design would look visually interesting when projected onto the mirror. We projected a number of patterns onto the mirror and adjusted the overall balance to determine the optimal shape. This process involved trial and error to get a visually appealing and consistent result, and it took a lot of time and effort, especially adjusting the design when reflected in the mirror.

Project Duration

This work was exhibited at "ICC Kids Program 2024 you().code().world()." held at NTT InterCommunication Center in Tokyo from July 23rd to August 25th, 2024.

Operation Flow

In this animation, pre-distorted images are used so that they appear in the correct form when reflected in a cylindrical mirror. The interaction occurs primarily as the user observes in front of the mirror, with the deformation of the animation changing based on the angle and viewpoint of the mirror. The interaction is visual and depends on how the user perceives the image. To achieve better results, it is crucial to carefully adjust the patterns of distortion and the timing of the animation. The performance stands out due to its consistent visual deformation and movement, providing a strong visual impact through the mirror.

Research

In this study, we used a program to distort an image and observed how it changed when projected onto a cylindrical mirror. Through various observations and feedback, we were able to gain a deeper understanding of how the distorted image was shaped by the mirror, and we confirmed that it was possible to create visually appealing and innovative designs. In addition, the animation incorporated mathematical elements (such as trigonometric functions and vectors) that students will learn in junior high and high school, allowing them to visually experience concepts they will learn in the future.

Inspiration

The artist, who is also a printmaker, has overlaid the relationship between a block and a print with the relationship between an image reflected on a display and an image reflected in a mirror, incorporating into the animation the way that, like a multi-colored print, each color has its own unique layer and overlaps to form a layered structure. The title "Blocks" contains connotations such as "a mass," "a section divided into grids," "a series of commands in a program," and "a woodblock print."

Image Credits

Image #1: Photo courtesy NTT InterCommunication Center, Curiosity Blocks, 2024. Image #2: Photo courtesy NTT InterCommunication Center, Curiosity Blocks, 2024. Image #3: Photo courtesy NTT InterCommunication Center, Curiosity Blocks, 2024. Image #4: Photo courtesy NTT InterCommunication Center, Curiosity Blocks, 2024.

Project Overview

Curiosity Blocks Digital Art has been a Silver winner in the Generative, Algorithmic, Parametric and AI-Assisted Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.

Silver Recognition

Yuko Suzuki was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Curiosity Blocks Digital Art.

Yuko Suzuki Newsroom

Dive into Yuko Suzuki Newsroom to explore celebrated designs and projects.