FRACTALS

In FRACTALS, BL!NDMAN [drums] delves into the world of infinity, self-similarity, and reciprocity. Inspired by the cyclical thinking of philosopher Oswald Spengler, Ward De Ketelaere explores fractals—self-similar geometric objects with infinite details that behave like motifs, repeating at ever-smaller scales. These cyclical phenomena manifest in many ways in our lives. Fractal elements can be found in mathematics, the microscopic structure of fruits and vegetables, frost crystals naturally forming on cold glass, and even in our own breathing, where the cyclical structure of alveoli keeps us alive.

Ward De Ketelaere translates these fractal phenomena into music. Using oscilloscopes, devices that visualise cyclical variations, he develops fractal building blocks and projections. These visualisations are then linked to pitch, duration, dynamics and percussion sounds, forming the foundation of a new composition. The repeating patterns also appear in the musicians’ physical gestures, creating a fractal-like movement. This results in a reciprocal dialogue between the composer, the performers, and the oscilloscopes, making a compelling musical world of fractals both visible and audible.