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Project

teardrop

An experimental image-processing tool for turning source images into triangulated, monochromatic compositions.

Year
2026
Role
Creative coding, image processing, visual systems

Teardrop is a small creative tool for artistic obfuscation. It transforms recognisable images into abstract, low-poly compositions without fully erasing their original structure. It was inspired by the album Mezzanine, by Massive Attack.

Instead of hiding an image with blur or noise, the tool breaks the source into triangular geometry and applies a controlled visual theme. The intent is to retain mood, silhouette, and composition while making the result feel closer to generated artwork.

Teardrop process comparison showing source analysis, sampling, triangulation, and low-poly output
Process view: source structure, importance sampling, triangulation, and rendered output.

What it does

  • Triangulates an input image into a fractured geometric surface
  • Uses contrast and importance cues to keep recognisable structure where it matters
  • Applies theme-driven colour and tone passes for portfolio-friendly output
  • Explores privacy, abstraction, and identity without treating the image as disposable
High-contrast importance map used by Teardrop to preserve owl structure
Importance map used to bias where structure is preserved.
Low-poly owl output generated by Teardrop
Default low-poly output retaining the owl silhouette and contrast.

Exploration

The prototype explores how recognisable images can be transformed into abstract visual systems while retaining the feeling of the original frame. The useful tension is between concealment and legibility: enough structure remains to read the subject, but the result no longer behaves like a direct reproduction.

Technical notes

  • Image triangulation and low-poly rendering
  • Contrast-aware point sampling and importance-map preservation
  • Theme-driven colour grading and tonal reduction