The Computer and Algorithmic Art

Ever since the existence of computers, we’ve attributed a sense of perfection to them. We see a huge library of admirable algorithmic artworks, rarely ever thinking about the process behind it, such as the factors that contribute to the artwork and the decisions the algorithm takes to create the final render. It’s as if the algorithm has a mind of its own.

My background and past art experience have revolved around physical art as well, where I’m the one making the choices about the elements that go on the canvas. In this project, that control is handed over to the computer instead, to decide and craft the final artwork. And here’s where it gets even more interesting: it showcases an evolving process of the algorithm, one that corrects and adjusts itself.

Intellect and the Human Mind

Intellect is an expression of the computer’s human-like thinking. To illustrate this intriguing process of the computer creating the artwork, the render of Intellect is fascinating to look at, to witness how the algorithm evolves itself, reiterates, and redraws parts that it doesn’t seem satisfied with. It is very rare for a machine’s process of making an artwork and correcting itself to be shown.

So how does Intellect compare to the human brain? Well, each output is a representation of the machine’s thought process and decisions. The title of the project, Intellect, is meant to embody this concept, from the computer’s perspective.

The artwork, when viewed as a live render, is seen to be first laying down the initial ideas, going back, erasing, drawing again, repeating until satisfied. It’s like watching a time-lapse of a computer making art, much like an artist would on a canvas.

The Composition of Intellect

Just as Intellect ties in with the human brain, it also forms a strong connection with the history of art. The artwork features hand drawn, uneven elements, and subtle natural textures. It’s designed this way to echo human artistry, representing the irregularities that occur when drawing perfect figures or straight lines by hand. Intellect explores endless possibilities by blending the organic, hand-drawn feel with the computer’s reiterations of perfecting an artwork. It’s an intersection between two art forms: physical and generative.

A major aspect of Intellect lies in the formation of its grids, which was inspired by Mark Rothko’s works, particularly the way of arranging the grids in an irregular way, to create an interesting composition. Here’s No. 9, created by Rothko in 1948:

*No. 9, 1948 by Mark Rothko.* *https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.67501.html*

The grid combined with the tear-like shapes all connecting with each other evokes a sense of connection. Even when the algorithm is redrawing parts of the artwork, the newly drawn figures form connections with other grid parts.

Outputs of Intellect

The pattern emerging within the grid also draws significant inspiration from another of Helen’s exceptional pieces, Toward Dark, created in 1988. In this work, two distinctive shapes form a division, as if on the verge of connection yet maintaining a distance. Next to Helen’s work is an output from Intellect, that showcases this unique behavior.

Seeing the time-lapse of each piece is like watching an artist at work.

Intellect is more than just an artwork; it’s a journey.