Generated masterpieces

The interesting thing about art is that it has multiple perspectives that can make it worth while. The art piece itself can be the most obvious trigger that makes you appreciated a work, but the context and the impact of the piece, can be equally important. I went to see the exhibition in the Kunsthal about generated digital art and that made me realise that I appreciate an art piece based on the idea behind it. And that is even more true for digital art.

The pieces that were on display were “living paintings” of nature created by the Refik Anadol Studio. The collection consisted of a number of screens that display “generated" digital paintings. These paintings don’t depend on pixel-craftmanship but lets the computer do the heavy design-lifting. The selection of data sources and the configuration of the algorithm is the actual accomplishment. You could claim that the compelling visuals are a side effect of the beautiful code.

The result is a mesmerising set of morphing nature images that the algorithm has generated based on its interpretation of millions of similar “real” images. The piece is “alive” because it looks different every other instance you look at it and the looks of the piece are influenced by data values. The artistic element in these art pieces lies in the ability to conduct digital shapes and choreography based on data sources in a relevant and ecstatic way.

I would really like this art to go even further by using live data in stead of looping video’s. No visualisation should be generated exactly the same way. Every visit would be unique and the transitoriness would make it a must see exhibition. The idea behind the art piece would then be even more important, because no encounter would be the same...