the javascriptorium
The Javascriptorium is a 3d animation on the theme of desert wandering and the representation of the concept of sanctuary.

The text, which plays a central role in this work is based on passages from the Bible and from the sectarian body of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

context

In summer 2005, a connection was established between chronotext and the Shrine of the Book at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, marking the beginning of a long process of reflection...

In April 2006, the production of an installation to be permanently displayed at the Shrine's forthcoming Information Center began.

perspective

In addition to the reference to Hebrew micrography, this work is proposing contemporary ways of reading the same thousand year-old texts that form the collection present at the Shrine of the Book:

  • • The Dead Sea Scrolls, written on parchment and including the most ancient fragments of the Bible.
  • • The Aleppo Codex, first copy of the Bible in the form a book.

behind the beast

The Javascriptorium is based on a Java application that makes use of OpenGL to generate 3d animation in real-time.

Custom software development enabled to manipulate very efficiently dozens of thousands of text characters arranged in complex configurations.

Real-time capability proved to be advantageous during the process of creation while preparing the terrain for interactivity in future implementations...

More details on how it works: behind the scenes.

related works


made possible by their very open-mind...

  • • Susan Hazan, Curator of New Media at the Israel Museum, Jerusalem.
  • • Adolfo Roitman, Head of the Shrine of the Book and Curator of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
 Come and see the real thing, projected in high-resolution on a wall at the Shrine of the Book in Jerusalem [ details ].

Alternatively, click on any of the images to get larger screenshots or watch a video preview in glorious flash streaming...

episode 1


Zoom out on the Sea of Chaos... A divine column, link between Heaven and Earth is represented at the center of the world.


From Axis Mundi to Terra Incognita... The Sinai wilderness.


The sanctuary is represented at the center of the Desert Encampement, among the people of Israel.

episode 2


Looking through the Ishtar Gate at Babylon, freshly conquered by King Cyrus of Persia... Emancipation of the oppressed.


Beginning of the second exodus...


Returning to Jerusalem, through the wilderness.

episode 3


Descending into the wilderness... The sanctuary now resides within each member of the Sect of the Desert.


Cliffs along the Dead Sea shore, retreat for those who left an unpure and corrupt Jerusalem.


Ezekiel's vision of the Water of Life flowing into the Sea of Death.
© august 2006  ariel malka | chronotext.org