Algorithmic art

Algorithmic art, also known as computer-generated art, is a subset of generative art (generated by an autonomous system) and is related to systems art (influenced by systems theory). Fractal art is an example of algorithmic art. Fractal art is both abstract and mesmerizing. For an image of reasonable size, even the simplest algorithms require too much calculation for manual execution to be practical, and they are thus executed on either a single computer or on a cluster of computers. The final output is typically displayed on a computer monitor, printed with a raster-type printer, or drawn using a plotter. Variability can be introduced by using pseudo-random numbers. There is no consensus as to whether the product of an algorithm that operates on an existing image (or on any input other than pseudo-random numbers) can still be considered computer-generated art, as opposed to computer-assisted art. ==History==

such as this girih tiling in the Darb-e Imam shrine in Isfahan, are precursors of algorithmic art. Her early work with copier and telematic art focused on the differences between the human hand and the algorithm. Aside from the ongoing work of Roman Verostko and his fellow algorists, the next known examples are fractal artworks created in the mid to late 1980s. These are important here because they use a different means of execution. Whereas the earliest algorithmic art was "drawn" by a plotter, fractal art simply creates an image in computer memory; it is therefore digital art. The native form of a fractal artwork is an image stored on a computer –this is also true of very nearly all equation art and of most recent algorithmic art in general. However, in a stricter sense "fractal art" is not considered algorithmic art, because the algorithm is not devised by the artist. Rational approaches to art While art has strong emotional and psychological ties, it also depends heavily on rational approaches. Artists have to learn how to use various tools, theories and techniques to be able to create impressive artwork. Thus, throughout history, many art techniques were introduced to create various visual effects. For example, Georges-Pierre Seurat invented pointillism, a painting technique that involves placing dots of complementary colors adjacent to each other. Cubism and Color Theory also helped revolutionize visual arts. Cubism involved taking various reference points for the object and creating a 2-Dimensional rendering. Color Theory, stating that all colors are a combination of the three primary colors (Red, Green and Blue), also helped facilitate the use of colors in visual arts and in the creation of distinct colorful effects. This is a form of using algorithms in art. By examining the works of artists in the past, from the Renaissance and Islamic Golden Age, a pattern of mathematical patterns, geometric principles and natural numbers emerges. ==Role of the algorithm==

computer output with liquid inks on rag paper, 15.25 x 21 inches. This image was created using an early version of what became Digital Effects' Vision software, in APL and Fortran on an IBM 370/158. A database of the Souvenir font; random number generation, a statistical basis to determine letter size, color, and position; and a hidden line algorithm combine to produce this scan line raster image, output to a plotter. From one point of view, for a work of art to be considered algorithmic art, its creation must include a process based on an algorithm devised by the artist. An artist may also select parameters and interact as the composition is generated. Here, an algorithm is simply a detailed recipe for the design and possibly execution of an artwork, which may include computer code, functions, expressions, or other input which ultimately determines the form the art will take. ==Algorists==

"Algorist" is a term used for digital artists who create algorithmic art. Pioneering algorists include Vera Molnár, Dóra Maurer and Gizella Rákóczy. Algorists formally began correspondence and establishing their identity as artists following a panel titled "Art and Algorithms" at SIGGRAPH in 1995. The co-founders were Jean-Pierre Hébert and Roman Verostko. Hébert is credited with coining the term and its definition, which is in the form of his own algorithm: Their use has also been explored in music. Fractal art consists of varieties of computer-generated fractals with colouring chosen to give an attractive effect. Especially in the western world, it is not drawn or painted by hand. It is usually created indirectly with the assistance of fractal-generating software, iterating through three phases: setting parameters of appropriate fractal software; executing the possibly lengthy calculation; and evaluating the product. In some cases, other graphics programs are used to further modify the images produced. This is called post-processing. Non-fractal imagery may also be integrated into the artwork. Genetic or evolutionary art makes use of genetic algorithms to develop images iteratively, selecting at each "generation" according to a rule defined by the artist. Algorithmic art is not only produced by computers. Wendy Chun explains: and Kurt Schwitters' Ursonate. Later, she and her collaborator, Dave Britton, created the 21st Century Virtual Color Organ that does use computer coding and algorithms. Since 1996 there have been ambigram generators that auto generate ambigrams. ==See also==