This microsite assembles a project in algorithmic or generative art. Comprising four different workshops, each exploring a unique approach to such form of art, this project is a journey to discover the creative possibilities when technology and artistic visions and insights converge. Ranging from captivating visual experiences to actual physical objects encapsulating a wonderous sense of the cosmos, the workshops showcase the power of machines as allies in our artistic pursuits. Whether you are a seasoned artist or a curious beginner, these workshops will take you on an exciting journey through the world of generative art, revealing the boundless possibilities that arise when we allow parts of our own environment, i.e., technology, to mingle with our creative methods. Results transcending our own imaginations.
Since the beginning of art, if there was ever a specific beginning, artists have pushed the boundaries to discover new methods and mediums to express their thoughts as well as create impressions of what surrounded us, tangible or otherwise.
It is only natural that with technology and machine capabilities being used to solve the world's problems, they be reimagined by artists as mediums for creating artistic works of wonder for the same world. Fuse and infuse beauty and curiosity.
Over the semester I participated in 4 different workshops covering topics such as Creative Coding, Projection Mapping, Making, and Physical Computing. Here you will find some of the process documentation and deliverables that were created in small teams of up to 3 people or individually. Each of the workshops was instrumental in showing me different perspectives to computational art. Despite all of them having some connection with coding, the results are varied and cover a vast spectrum of outcomes that are each intriguing, and inspiring complex feelings and questions about the future of art and its very definition in an altered paradigm influenced by digital tools and systems.
Coding is a workshop by Andreas Schlegel that looks at the creative application of code in the design process. This workshop explores the power of augmented reality and the kind of visual experiences artists can now create because of the long strides in technology that we have made, for an immersive encounter with otherworldly elements. Actually, visualize such elements in chosen contexts for a unique personalized experience that travels beyond simply seeing. It involves experiencing with several senses. With Surreal Flurries, the team aimed to transport viewers to a world that is both familiar and fantastical, where the presence of otherworldly elements elevates emotions and thrills to new heights. A surreal experience engaging all the senses.
Singapore's tropical landscape and futuristic architecture served as inspiration, with the added concept of winter providing a unique juxtaposition to the warm climate. The team explored intricate snowflake patterns using Blender software and rendered them onto a visual encoder for viewers to access and project onto any background. The snowflakes, with their cozy powder blue hue, were whimsical and reminiscent of the Disney movie "Frozen." The team envisioned people of all ages enjoying this spectacle on their phones, making snowflakes appear anywhere, anytime. Perhaps against a Christmas tree during the holiday season, as natural elements traced in fractals against a futuristic Singapore landscape, or as fun companions by the pool on a hot summer day.
Tools used: Blender and Neltlify (for hosting)
Link to external outcomes, Augmented Reality
This workshop was conducted by Muhammad Dhiya Rahman, and focused on the transformative power of code by utilizing it to design and create a physical object. Inspired by the character of Sauron from Lord of the Rings, the aim was to explore the intersection of cosmic dust and cosmic powers in crafting a 3D model of a Cosmic Crown. Through the use of code, I was able to bridge the gap between digital design and physical creation. The resulting object, fashioned along the lines of a shard from Sauron's crown, serves as a tribute to the power of code in creating complex and intricate shapes, as well as to the human creativity in bringing digital designs to life. The process of taking a digital design and transforming it into a tangible object is truly remarkable, and this project exemplifies the transformative power of technology and imagination.
The process began with simple manipulation of a sketch that rendered mesh and line details of a 3D object until I got a shape that was abstract but symbolic of a sharp jagged piece of a cosmic artefact. The process and the outcome made me realise the two reasons why this workshop was my favourite of all, and special. The first one was that it transformed the technique of coding and using machines from generating art and carrying out instructions given by a human, to actually giving instructions to a human on how to construct a designed model! From the instruction taker, to the giver. The second reason was the part of actually using our hands to shape something. The act of doing and thinking outside of the computer screen coupled with the online.
Tools used: Blender, P5js, Cutting Mat, High GSM Balck Paper, Ruler, Double Sided Tape and Cutter
This workshop, conducted by Joanne Ho, was a projection mapping and screening exercise, aimed to combine the digital and physical worlds in a more straightforward manner by visually mapping videos onto physical objects to create a composite sensory simulation. Inspired by the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, my project partner and I settled on the concept of creating a visual representation of Mordor - a dark and foreboding place where evil resides. We felt that the fiery landscapes, cosmic ferocity of the location, the wonderous thematic element, and the grand narrative of Tolkien offered a unique opportunity to create a captivating and immersive experience. We could visual this as part of a live theatrical production or an actual installation at a movie museum.
To bring our vision to life, we used roughly hewed large foam cuboids to emulate the jagged mountains of Mordor. We then projected fiery and cosmic videos onto the surface of these structures, creating a visual representation of the intense heat and flames associated with the volcanic landscape. Through the use of coding and mapping techniques, we were able to bring this fantastical world to life in a highly engaging and evocative way. We felt that this workshop was a successful example of how art and technology can be combined to create an immersive and captivating experience. The final output captured the essence of Mordor and conveyed the idea of a dark and dangerous land filled with destruction and danger.
Tools used: Projector and P5js and Thermocol and Cutter for the physical items
Play is a workshop by Jake Tan Zi Jie which looks at physical computing to interface between physical and digital spaces. This workshop was an exciting one where in a team, we got to experiment with installation based interactive art. An interplay between digital and analog art. The sheer scale of the concept was both challenging and intriguing. We wanted to create something engaging, fun, and colourful, while also being thought-provoking and inspiring. We were inspired by real-life events and current issues, and wanted to create a small project that was both captivating in experience and relatable to current issues for a more lasting and meaningful impact on the viewer. Our concept was to use a light sensor fixed to a 3D model of a flame, representing the vivacity of life and the vibrancy of our mind and souls. We aimed to create a metaphor for freedom, liberty, and individual rights in a free world state. The video featured pulsating circles that morphed colours for an enthralling visual. Based on the amount of light entering the sensor, the visuals changed from red and black patterns to a bright, colourful one.
When one cupped the flame model, representing repression of personal freedom and liberties, the visuals were a dark colour of red and black signifying chaos, conflict, and violence. As one let go of the flame, representing restrictions being lifted and more freedom being enjoyed, more light touched the sensors, and the visuals turned into brighter shades of dancing and pulsating circles of yellow, white, blue, green, representing freedom, growth, creativity, and beauty. All things that thrive in a free environment. The outcome was a captivating exploration of the relationship between physical sensations and digital visuals. We used generative techniques to create a dynamic and responsive system that allowed for the creation of highly evocative visuals, reflecting the complex interplay between light, freedom, and personal expression. We hope that this project inspires others to explore the possibilities of generative art and digital-physical interplay in creating art that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also meaningful and impactful.
Tools used: Arduino, P5js, and the same items as in Workshop 'Making' for the 3D model of flame
"Machines can help us to imagine the impossible, to see the unseen, and to think the unthinkable."
by Manfred Mohr
Over the course of this semester I learnt... that using code to create art is not simply limited to generating shapes, colours and patterns in motion. One can use this to create narratives and tell larger stories by incorporating several other kinds of elements and push the boundaries of what is even artistically possible. Creative coding transcends writing sketches to actually stitch together a sketch and other ideas for holistic experiences that engage the viewer on several levels than just a visual treat. It has a vast spectrum of application and who knows, with more practice, we might be able to discover yet newer ways to create with this medium.
Some of my most interesting findings this semester are... that machine art can sometimes involve the machines giving us instructions on how to bring to life our ideas than simply taking instructions! There are many ways to use machines in creative designing. We as artists can now outsource bits and parts of our process that earlier seemed impossible or too complex and time consuming to receive accurate solutions. We are not only able to achieve bigger things but also save time and focus on creating. It was also interesting to see the range of application of this form of art such as, interactive installations, concept based visual experiences, alternate reality experience and manifesting actual physical objects from imagination. It made me realise the power of discovering new mediums and tools for creating art and how they can transform an idea into complete experiences and simulations. Lastly, the most key takeaway from all the workshops was that understanding the system is instrumental in doing better in this field. 'Playing the system and succeeding' as they say. Only when we understand the elements and the rules for their interaction with the instructions and each other, can we decode the whole language and inlfuence our imagined outcomes meaningfully. Give better shape to our ideas and visions. This is an important aspect of generative art that lies at the core of all kinds of things we do with it.
Some of my achievements this semester... lie in the fact that I am able to host my creations online and share with a wider pool of audience! Like this microsite. It was a very exciting step for me and this site is an extremely inspiring model of what we can achieve with machine language learning beyond creating art. Relatedly, I also learnt that creating art with codes can take so many forms and we need not be restricted to making sketches alone. We could work with different kinds of machines and languages, and sometimes use more than one to combine and manifest larger ideas. My biggest learning this semester however came from discovering certain things about myself as a creative individual along the journey covering these 4 workshops. I.e., I like to work in teams and do well in such settings. I enjoy strategizing and pitching my ideas, and then receiving insights to work on them and make them better. I like to learn from my team members and they make me a better version of myself. All in all, my achievements surround the fact that each workshop was so different from the others, and presented their own unique challenges which I learnt to adapt to and find answers for. The process of finding the answers often led to happy coincidences and further learnings which made me realise that if we continue to push we can get results that will far outstrip the ideas that we began with and / or believed our capabilities allowed. So here's to doing more!
