Syntax of a Swimmer is a series that transforms the data of 110 open-water swims into generative art. Since December 2023, the artist has been collecting data from each swim, analysing it in relation to the tidal levels and ranges of the location and time. The result is a visual interpretation of the interplay between human motion, time, and nature. Using a custom algorithm, O’Leary translates this data into smooth, flowing curves that capture the fluidity of both the swimmer and the tides. Each piece reflects the subtle shifts in tidal patterns and the various locations, where the curves gently flow and bend, creating an organic yet structured rhythm. The forms evoke the unpredictable and dynamic nature of water, with each line a reflection of the swimmer’s experience. These works offer a glimpse into the hidden connections between the natural world and the technology we use to interpret it. Every print is a unique exploration of how time, tide, and motion intersect in a way that feels both personal and universal.
