When light travels through a lens and lands on the digital image sensor, that light will transform into digital signals as pixels. The digital camera processes those pixels in a minimal time difference, but the time distinction still exists; thus, the difference creates a concept of a pixel as an individual.

“Stochastic Camera” is a continuous art project that began in 2018. In version 0.2, re-examines and rethinks machine learning image processing algorithmic logic. The project starts with recording the melting of different ice balls over three hours. It continues for eight days, capturing approximately 24 hours of ice ball melting footage and converting it into raw pixel data for further processing. The melting ice ball symbolises a future world where crystal balls used for divination may no longer be needed while also existing as a refractive object to extend the camera’s lens. The “Stochastic Camera (version 0.2)” utilises two independent formulas representing overall stability and individual autonomy. These formulas are inspired by ensemble averaging and stochastic processes, calculating the data’s overall mean and predicting each pixel’s momentum, which results in two sets of pixel data and moving images.

How many visual variations will occur when a melting ice ball is placed inside a black box and exposed to a stable light source? The answer should be infinite and unpredictable. If there were a machine that could predict the future and show all the possibilities, then the answer would become concrete. In the meantime, how should the pixel’s autonomy be maintained?

Chan Long Fung, Lazarus, is a new media artist who explores the intersections of science, technology, humanities, and art. Born in Hong Kong in 1996, he currently resides there. His works often blend various elements, including soundscapes, electronic devices, algorithmic art, data visualization, and generative art. Chan excels in transcending disciplinary limitations and engaging in interdisciplinary creation to integrate knowledge and ideas from diverse fields. Chan’s works delve deeply into observing and contemplating natural phenomena in life. His creative inspirations are rooted in a profound understanding of technology, sensitivity to nature, and passion for science. Chan creates art to pose questions and represent these themes.

Chan believes that, as an artist, he can maintain a perspective and approach to the long-term observation of the intricate details of scientific and technological developments, continually raising questions from a humanistic and philosophical standpoint and then transforming these questions into visual art experiences. He holds the belief that art can help people gain a deeper understanding and exploration of issues through simulation, representation, and experience. Although works of art do not necessarily need to explain problems, artists can pose questions that stimulate the audience’s conscious engagement, thereby clarifying the direction of the issues at hand.