THE DAM x UCLA (2026)
Kaleidoscope Cube in Magnetic Field
Kaleidoscope Cube in Magnetic Field is a piece of generative artwork that transforms the familiar structure of a Rubik’s Cube into a dynamic, radiant sculpture of motion and light. At the center of the composition, the cube appears suspended in a dark, cosmic space, its colored faces glowing softly like illuminated tiles. Each individual block contains delicate, kaleidoscopic patterns that subtly shimmer as the cube rotates, giving the impression that every segment holds its own miniature universe.The cube’s vibrant faces glow with shifting geometric patterns. As the cube rotates, these patterns interact with light and perspective, producing constantly changing visual stimulations.
From the cube’s core, vibrant neon beams burst outward in all directions. These streaks of color create a starburst effect that suggests both energy and expansion, as if the cube were emitting pulses of light into the surrounding void. Intertwined with these rays are looping, orbit-like lights that wrap around the cube like magnetic field paths, reinforcing the sense that the object is generating an invisible force field of motion and color. The neon hues contrast sharply against the dark background, evoking an atmosphere of cosmic energy radiating from the center of the cube.
The cube itself is caught in a continuous cycle of transformation. Its segments shift and rotate through algorithmic slice moves, briefly scrambling before returning to order. This continuous transition between chaos and resolution mirrors the logic of the puzzle while also reflecting broader themes of balance and reconstruction.
The art piece also invites interaction. Using the cursor, viewers can rotate, turn, and zoom around the cube, exploring its surfaces from multiple perspectives. This interactivity directs the viewers to navigate the geometry of the piece.
Together, these elements merge geometry, motion, and color into a luminous visual simulation, creating an interactive environment where viewers can experience energy in motion and ignite creative imagination.
Medium:
This piece was created by first composing a creative art prompt and then using ChatGPT to generate the corresponding code. The generated code was ultimately implemented and executed in p5.js to produce the final visual output.
Artist Bio:
Rosa Yao is a first-year Business Economics student at UCLA. While she has previous coding experiences with RStudio and Python, this is her first time engaging with generative and creative art coding. Through this work, she is interested in exploring how programming can move beyond analytical tools and become a medium for visual expression and experimentation. Outside of classes, she enjoys playing tennis, café hopping, and discovering new spaces around the city. Rosa is particularly drawn to projects that combine creativity, technology, and curiosity, and she hopes to continue expanding her artistic and technical perspectives through generative art.
Artist Statement:
Before I proceeded to look for code, I have always known that I wanted to create something colorful, vibrant, and grab the viewer's attention. I was drawn to the idea of building a visual experience that felt energetic and alive, where motion and color interact to create a sense of rhythm and excitement. Therefore, the Rubik’s Cube became the central form for this piece as it represents both complexity and order, which is something that can shift between chaos and harmony.
Through generative coding, I was able to transform this familiar object into a dynamic visual system. The rotating cube, glowing colors, and radiating neon beams work together to create an atmosphere that feels luminous and constantly evolving. Ultimately, I aimed to design an interactive environment where geometry, motion, and color come together to evoke energy, curiosity, and imagination.
- ArtistRosa Yao