Generative art

Generative art. What exactly this means could change depending on who you ask, much like the definition of art as a whole. For this class specifically, we talk mostly of computer generated art, which is around us daily. Advertisements use them, video games use them, even scientists use them for modeling.

Matt Pearson, the author of Generative Art - A Practical Guide Using Processing, gives an astute look into the medium. While not everyone can use processing algorithms (computing specifically), it is a powerful platform. Computer generated art, more into the field of graphic design, has even created hyper-realistic models which are created through a simplified GUI - though still using predetermined algorithms, such as a digital "paint brush". Below is a digital rendering - not a photograph.

Monarch Butterfly, Masaki Mochizuki

Some games such as Minecraft also use predetermined algorithms to generate landscapes. No two worlds are ever alike, yet they are still uniform in their creation. Artists can further create new works through this tool. Below is the synthesis between Mojang, the creators behind Minecraft, and several players who want to express their talents through the game.