A new AI Hub in Generative Models led by David Barber

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On a technical level, the work represents a high-dimensional rotation -- one of the simplest dynamical systems that lie at the heart of many AI algorithms. A vector rotates in a 1000-dimensional space -- however, when projected down to 2 dimensions, this simple rotation appears as an intricate yet harmonious figure.

In each figure, a single line weaves a complex path, teasing one's concentration. As one attempts to follow a line, the mind wanders and we lose track but in a calming Zen-like way, as if relaxing in a Japanese sand garden. 

These systems are analogous to physical pendulum art and can be thought of as the motion of a 1000-dimensional pendulum, visualised in 2 dimensions. That many natural phenomena can be described by these harmonic oscillators may explain why they are so calming to the soul.   

Indeed, many of the most fundamental equations of nature are governed by such oscillations, from String Theory to Fourier Analysis.  AI scientists often use these oscillating systems to process time-series data such as speech signals since these are generated by natural oscillations in the body. 

However, that such high dimensional oscillations can also generate calming projections is perhaps less well appreciated and reminds us of the beauty underlying some of our research.

Since the dawn of human art, spiral petroglyphs have represented the harmony of rhythms, which are fundamental to the human experience. Generations of artists have attempted to capture such rhythms; the work hints at a modern version of the older mechanical spirographs and echos abstract artists such as Bridgit Riley and Terry Frost, amongst many others. 

The work therefore sits at the intersection of art, nature and science. It connects the ancient with the modern -- unbroken lines of harmony across generations of the human spirit.