“[...] The idea behind Bronco Wewer's The Algorithm of Fire (2023) is rather simple: a webcam is set facing an open fire, which is then connected to an AI-powered software.
Nevertheless, the work's complexity lies within the computer software, which is programmed to recognize and register four distinct shapes of the flames: HELIX, VOID, LOTUS, and SPLINTER. The data is then collected and deciphered into a continuous sequence of letters.
Viewers are urged to pay close attention to the perpetual running code, trying to fetch whatever meaningful words or phrases that may potentially occur.
"Inspired by Pyromancy, the alleged art of deciphering the future through the observation of fire and its phenomena, I created this self operating object detection Al. It possesses the capability to perform an automated pyromantic ritual and present a prophecy to the viewer," says the artist.
Perhaps one will never encounter any tangible prophetic message due to the highly randomized pattern of the flames and constant, uncontainable redistributions of the plasma particles.
Nevertheless, The Algorithm of Fire reignites the forgotten meditative approach to understanding nature, one that involves a gentle hint of curiosity and an off-loaded anticipation. [...]“
The Algorithm of Fire (2023)
single-channel video, 6’42” min