⤣ SERIESMetamorphosis: Spectrum
‘Metamorphosis: Spectrum’ is a hypnotic study of transformation and interaction, where digital butterflies move in an ever-evolving kaleidoscope of colour and form. Drawing from natural and artistic traditions, Dominic Harris meticulously hand-paints each butterfly, crafting a vibrant, living artwork that responds to the presence of the viewer.
At its core, Metamorphosis: Spectrum explores the interplay between order and chaos, beauty and disruption - inviting viewers to become active participants in the digital ecosystem. Through the subtle disruption of touch, the artwork temporarily scatters the butterflies, breaking their geometric arrangement before they resettle into their concentric formation.
This delicate balance mirrors nature’s own rhythms of transformation and renewal. A digital homage to the natural world, Metamorphosis: Spectrum bridges the gap between organic life and technology, inviting reflection on the beauty of fleeting moments and the interconnectivity of all things
The Collection
Images
Information
Year:
2025
Edition:
Edition of 8 + 2 Artist Proofs + 2 Museum Proofs
Materials:
Code, electronics, touch display, sensors, aluminium.
Details:
37 hand-painted butterflies
Dimensions (Metric):
757 (W) x 757 (H) x 104 (D) mm, framed
Dimensions (imperial):
29.8 (W) x 29.8 (H) x 4.1 (D) inches, framed
Commissioned by:
Context
Harris’ Metamorphosis: Spectrum is deeply rooted in the dialogue between nature, technology, and artistic craftsmanship. The artwork’s design - a circular array radiating from a central Morpho Helena butterfly - invokes ideas of transformation, repetition, and perpetual movement, alluding to the natural life cycle of butterflies.
Metamorphosis: Spectrum also plays with the philosophical and aesthetic principles of Romanticism, emphasising an emotional connection to nature and the sublime beauty of organic randomness. Unlike traditional static artworks, it invites interactivity, where human touch briefly disrupts the system before order is restored - a metaphor for our own relationship with nature and the digital world.
By employing digital hand-painting, Harris crafts a deeply personal and immersive experience, emphasising the evolving role of digital artistry in contemporary art. Metamorphosis: Spectrum stands as a striking example of how technology can enhance rather than replace nature, preserving its wonder in new and engaging ways.
