Generative art refers to art created with the use of autonomous system, such as natural language rules, algorithms, genetic sequences, machines, or procedural interventions. ( Artsy, 2018 ). There is a common misconception that generative art is essentially computer art as there are many contemporary works by artists such as Akihiko Miyoshi, that focused more on computer graphics and data generated art. However, generative art or "rule-based art" is basically art created by surrendering control of certain aspects to process, it is art that could be created through various methods, from processes of orderly repetition, geometrical system to relying on random variations and chance. and be presented in any forms such as, drawings, paintings, digital art and music. Creating art through a systematic process is interesting as the end result is never certain. Who is the real creator, the artist or the system?
The idea part is simple but the visual perception is complex
— Sol LeWitt
After much thought, I finally decided to include what I have been staring at the whole time while struggling to come up with a concept for this mini project — YouTube. As mentioned above, generative art is an intersection of a multiplicity of computer data and programming and individual expression, with last week's surveillance art in mind, I thought of combining the two forms of art for the artwork. Everyone is constantly under surveillance especially on the internet, our cookies and search histories are collected and analyzed, allowing advertising service to target specific audience or consumer groups which made me wonder about how much YouTube's search history reveals about an individual.
Recording every third history item in a circle around my initials as if saying these videos, these data to some extent define me, revealing my preference in music and entertainment, assignments I have been working on, yet at the same time not really revealing anything with only one word from each item's title. Furthermore, it is interesting to note that depending on the day this project was carry out, the result would be different as I am constantly on the internet, watching YouTube videos, recommended to me based on my history, and thereon adding to my history list, creating a never-ending cycle.
1. Cut an A4 paper into four equal parts.
2. Draw a circle in the center with a pencil, draw another smaller circle inside it.
3. Inside the smaller circle, write an alphabet of your initials in each circle. ( My initials have only three alphabet, therefore I only need three papers.)
4. Go to one of your search histories ( I chose YouTube ).
5. Record the first "real" word of every alternate (video) titles ( language does not matter ) in the space between the two circles.
6. If there is not a single "real" word in that title, write the first word in a different colour.
7. Fill up the space between with words. Continue for remaining papers and erase the pencil lines when done.
Reference
Artsy. ( 2018 ) Generative art. Available at: https://www.artsy.net/gene/generative-art (Accessed: 25 March 2018 ).
Galanter, P. ( 2006 ) generative art and rules-based art. Available at: http://philipgalanter.com/downloads/vague_terrain_2006.pdf (Accessed: 25 March 2018 ).
Levine, J. ( no date ) 'GENERATIVE PRACTICE. THE STATE OF THE ART' , DIGICULT. Available at: http://digicult.it/digimag/issue-057/generative-practice-the-state-of-the-art/ (Accessed: 25 March 2018 ).
PBS. ( 2017 ) Generative Art - Computers, Data, and Humanity | Off Book | PBS Available at: