Writing on water with a Samsung Galaxy Note II

Daniel Kupfer has used 400 fishtank pumps and a Samsung Galaxy Note II to create one of the most imaginative projects we've seen in a long time. A combination of intricate electronics, waterjets and dextrous programming has enabled Steak Studio’s creative director replicate anything he draws on the smartphone inside a water tank.  

“Our brief was simple,” Kupfer says, “how can we create something compelling, unique and innovative using solely the Samsung Galaxy Note II as a creative and technical device? How can we use the handset to create something never done before?”  

The outcome is Liquid Pixels, which Kupfer completed with help from his wife - artist Penelope Grabowski - and created at his studio in Dalston, London.

“Liquid Pixels is kind of choreographed falling rain,” he says. “It's an attempt to use water to draw. Our aim with the project was to transform the surface of the water into a canvas.”   

It took Kupfer several weeks to convince Jam, Samsung’s social media agency, the idea would work. A 20-pump mock-up was made before he was given the go-ahead to order a further 450 pumps to build the full-sized model.  

Finding a supplier that carried such a large number of pumps proved problematic. He eventually found a company that could deal with the order – in China. His order was then held up at customs at London's Stanstead airport, just as deadline was approaching.

Kupfer won his race against time and the feedback has been positive. “People are interested in extraordinary things made out of ordinary elements – I guess that’s what is so inspiring. Maybe that’s why the response’s been so great. We’re very happy.“    

This is, perhaps, not the last we’ve heard of Liquid Pixels. Kupfer wants to go bigger: “I’m interested in making a real huge fountain out of this. Or even going to Canary Wharf, installing it in the canal and filming it from the top of a building.”