Thomas Jackson - emergent behavior

There is something wonderfully surreal about photographer Thomas Jackson's Emergent Behavior series of swarming inanimate objects. Inspired by self-organizing, "emergent" systems in nature such as termite mounds, swarming locusts, schooling fish, and flocking birds, Jackson's images tap into the fear and fascination that these phenomena tend to evoke, juxtaposing unnatural materials within natural, unexpected environments. So, what's causing this strange behavior? From top to bottom you've got cheese balls, plates, post-its, cups, and glow sticks. See more Emergent Behavior, in addition to other work by Jackson, on his website.

(Via Colossal)