The Installation

Generative art is a movement that traces back to the 1960s with artists such as Vera Molnár, Manfred Mohr, and Joan Truckenbord. The practice of creating this type of art has evolved over the last 60 years and was catapulted forward with the release of Processing in 2001. Processing is a Java-based framework that optimizes a workspace for seamless creative coding by creating a frictionless sandbox to experiment with various drawing APIs. For more information about the origin of code-based art, view "EARLY COMPUTER ART IN THE 50'S & 60'S" by Amy Goodchild.

"The Algorithmic Art Studio" demonstrates the typical workflow of a generative artist who creates plotter art. It seeks to make the process seamless, so no code experience is required.

A program was written for this installation that grants control over three generative algorithms, each demonstrating different styles. These minimal programs each utilize pseudo-random number generation to ensure no two outputs are ever the same. Typically, a generative artist would stop here. However, James has connected many of the underlying parameters to a MIDI device so that participants of the installation can transform the results in real time based on their input. This interaction between the participant and the visual art is analogous to the refinement a generative artist uses when creating artwork. Small and large changes take place as the underlying parameters are modified.

Once participants are satisfied with their individualized artworks, they can send them to a pen plotter. The pen plotter will then bring the creation to life in real-time, drawing it on paper. Participants can watch as their artwork takes shape. Once it is fully illustrated, the artwork is carefully packaged and handed over to the participant as a tangible, physical piece.

The Algorithmic Art Studio installation provides a user-friendly experience for creating generative plotter art. It aims to demonstrate the creative opportunities available when combining code-based procedural generation and pen plotters.