Watching "Ferienne" by analog motion graphics artist and Singapore native Afiq Omar must be an intimidating experience for any videographer. Part three in a series focused on understanding "fluid dynamics, magnetism, and natural invisible forces," the video (above) features liquid shapes that swirl and pulsate, like watching your blood flow under your skin while peaking on acid. I asked Omar a few questions to uncover the technology and methodology behind this remarkable and mystifying latest installment.Hey Afiq Omar! Just watched "Ferienne" and I'm completely blown away. What equipment did you use to shoot and edit the video?That's wonderful, glad you like it. I shot with the Canon 5D MKII and a 180mm F3.5L Macro lens. I edited the video on Adobe Premiere Pro.In the description for the video, you said that you used the digital camera to create "analog effects" — how does that work? Do you mean that you were able to use the digital camera to create effects in the same way you could use an analog camera to create effects, or do the effects merely simulate those from an analog camera?It is a digital camera, but it serves only as a tool to record and document the effects of liquid dynamics and ferromagnetism that occurs when I handle the various chemicals and liquids. Everything is done by hand and not using computer software to create forms and composites, so no Cinema4D or RealFlow to help out with the actual creation of the image. So it is the way in which the chemicals are manipulated that creates visuals engaging enough to be cut and looped into the piece.What exact materials are you filming? The shapes seem to be made from some sort of liquid.I am using ferrofluid, which is essentially magnet liquid and a whole other range of liquids such as alcohol, milk, oil, soap gels etc.How did you manipulate these liquids? With magnets? What kind, and how did you go about doing it?I manipulate them using different neodymium magnets. The visuals vary depending on the strength and shape of the magnet. I also use rocket air blowers and fans to move the liquid around without interrupting the footage.I have my own makeshift setup which I’ve crafted from objects from around the house. The frame that is being filmed is usually inside a petri dish, which is above a textured background, and I manipulate the magnets from underneath. My backgrounds range from different weights and textures of paper, to cloth and leather.
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