Creative Production for William Mapan • Art Basel, 2026
Dances on Shadows (DOS) is a generative series by William Mapan combining algorithmic generation with the live mechanical production of physical works presented by Art Blocks at Art Basel 2026.
Background
The collaboration between William and Uncorporated Studio began in 2025 with a series of pencil-drawing studies developed in connection with William’s Sketchbook series. These initial experiments layed the foundation for Dances on Shadows and expanded into a mixed-media production.
Studio Work
William developed the generative system and the compositions behind Dances on Shadows. Uncorporated Studio focused on translating the original code into a physical production process and developing the custom machine setup including automated material handling and performative elements of live production.
The production method was designed around two distinct drawing languages. The shadow layer was translated through greyscale-depth mapping into highly detailed, point-based drawing. This produced a precise field of marks that retained the computational structure of the generated image.
The second layer introduced a more gestural drawing process using coloured oil pastels. Instead of reproducing the digital composition literally, the machine interpreted this part of the work through abstract, brushstroke-like movements and stroke-by-stroke colour blending. The combination of these two processes was developed to reflect William’s parallel backgrounds as a programmer and painter.
Beyond the visual outcome, a series of small mechanical interactions contributed to the performative character of the production. The automated flipping mechanism preserved the relationship between the two overlaid layers as the work developed, while the pneumatic paper-handling system introduced subtle movements throughout the process. These interactions made the production itself reflect the impression of coloured marks dancing across the shadows.
Several new technical systems were developed for this project:
- image translation through greyscale-depth mapping;
- automated paper flipping;
- media calibration and consumption measurement;
- a custom sharpening station for oil pastels and other soft drawing media;
- stroke-by-stroke oil-pastel colour blending.
Presentation
Dances on Shadows was presented as part of William Mapan’s exhibition with Art Blocks at Art Basel Zero 10, Booth Z13, from 16 to 21 June 2026.
Ten physical works from the series were produced in advance at Uncorporated Studio and presented on the exhibition wall. The drawing machine was also installed at the booth for live production throughout the fair.
Visitors could interact with William’s algorithm and generate new iterations of Dances on Shadows. When a work was selected and minted through Art Blocks, the corresponding physical drawing was produced by the machine on-site. The installation therefore connected the moment of digital generation and collection directly with the material production of the artwork.
The completed works measure 24 × 30 cm and are produced in pen and oil pastel on paper.
Sources
DOS by William Mapan — Project on Art Blocks
Uncovering the Plausibilities in William Mapan’s Paysages Plausibles — Art Blocks, text by Tonya Lobato
Image Credits
Studio development and process photography: Uncorporated Studio
Artwork and exhibition photography: Federico Floriani, courtesy of Art Blocks