Beneath the Swarm Installation

A DIGITAL OCEAN IN MOTION

To explore the link between organic movement and generative technology, Solarflare Studio developed Beneath the Swarm — an immersive digital artwork inspired by the collective intelligence of marine life.

Blending AI, real-time particle systems, and dynamic lighting, the installation reimagines the instinctive motion of fish, turtles, jellyfish, and whales as a living digital sculpture. The result is a meditative experience that mirrors the rhythm and calm of the ocean.

Built in TouchDesigner, the system generates a continuous flow of light, colour, and motion — shifting from dense, collective formations to slow, drifting dispersal. Custom AI models influence these movements, creating a natural sense of unpredictability and depth.

The audio layer adds to the immersion, using spatial sound and low-frequency tones to evoke the quiet pressure and resonance of deep water. Every sequence evolves in real time, ensuring the experience remains fluid and alive.

Solarflare led concept development, technical design, budgeting, and production delivery, coordinating cross-discipline teams from scoping through to installation. The studio also managed location scouting and onsite liaison, ensuring the work integrated seamlessly with its exhibition environment.

Launched in Spain, August 2025, Beneath the Swarm continues the studio’s exploration of how technology can mirror the balance and beauty of natural systems — turning digital processes into quiet, reflective art.