Endogenous Biologically-Inspired Visualization Immersed within an Art of Complex Systems

We document techniques and insights gained through the creation of interactive visualizations of biologically-inspired complex systems that have been exhibited as mixed-reality art installations since 2007. A binding theme is the importance of endogenous accounts: that all perceivable forms have dynamic ontological capacities within the world; that the simulated world is able to autonomously originate; that as a result interaction can lead to exploratory discovery; and that visitors become part of the ecosystem, both through immersive display and through interactions that induce presence. Details of how each of these components have been applied in the visualization, sonification, and interaction design are given with specific examples of prototypes and exhibited installations.