A vortex, and a spinner
Vortex is luminous matter turning around a dark core.
The streaks do not share one speed: near the centre they run ahead, farther out they lag, so the disc shears. Streams fall toward the throat, a bright ring sits on the dark middle, and a thin dust hangs beyond the arms.
It also works like a fidget spinner: you catch something already moving, give it a turn, let go, and it keeps going without you.
Catch it, wind it, let go
Move and the funnel leans toward you.
Hold near the centre and you catch it: the centre comes with you. Draw circles and each turn adds spin, in the direction of the circle.
Let go and the spin stays, then slowly runs down; the slow turn that remains keeps the direction you gave it. An open hand spreads the funnel into a wide, loose disc, a fist gathers it into a narrow throat.
With sound on, the catch has a tone, winding ticks and the release breathes out.
Where it comes from
A vortex forms when a fluid rotates around an axis or a central region.
Vortices appear in whirlpools, atmospheric storms, smoke rings and the wake left behind moving objects. Their behaviour is shaped by the movement of the surrounding fluid, including how rotational motion and energy are distributed through the flow.
In some conditions, a vortex can persist long after the disturbance that created it. Vortex takes inspiration from these rotating systems and the visible paths of matter caught within them.
It turns the idea of angular momentum into an interactive experience, where a circular gesture can leave movement behind even after the hand has stopped.
Things to try
- Catch the centre of the vortex.
- Move in a circle to build up its spin.
- Release and watch the rotation continue.
- Open or close your hand to change the funnel.
With a mouse, touch or your hands
You can explore with a mouse, a touch screen or your own hands.
Mouse and keyboard
- Move the pointer and the funnel leans with you.
- Hold the button near the centre to catch it, draw circles, and release to let it coast.
- The wheel, or the up and down arrows, opens the funnel or narrows it.
Touch
- Slide a finger and the funnel leans.
- Rest it near the centre to catch the vortex, draw circles, then lift and the spin goes on.
- Spread two fingers to widen the funnel, or bring them together to narrow it.
Hands, with the camera
- Point and the funnel leans toward your hand.
- Pinch near the centre to catch it, draw circles, then open your fingers and it keeps the spin.
- Open the palm to widen the funnel, close the fist to narrow it.
- The camera stays off until you turn it on.