Condensation Cube by Hans Haacke

Condensation Cube (1963–65) is a sealed transparent acrylic cube containing a small quantity of water. The temperature differential between the inside of the cube and the room causes water vapour to condense and run down the inside walls in continually changing patterns. The rate of condensation and evaporation is affected by the temperature and humidity of the environment, resulting in an ever-changing and unpredictable pattern of water droplets. The work emphasizes the role of natural processes and chance in the creation of art, demonstrating the potential of generative art to create dynamic and evolving artworks beyond the digital realm. It is also a key example of material generative art. While a canonical example of material generative art, the piece does highlight the at-times lacking conceptual foundation of some generative practices.