The Biomes are a series of six screen based computational artworks produced in 2005 - which use generative processes in the creation of a dynamic world. The virtual space of the world extends far beyond the bounds of the screen with an approximate circumference of a mile and is inhabited by abstract bodies inspired by creatures of the deep. Each of these bodies (we refer to as machines) uses simple rules to generate its unique markation that develop a high visual complexity.

A Biome's small circular window looks in on a vast sealed universe in which you see a number of intricately patterned bodies going about their business. Observing at length, you will see an almost unlimited diversity of form, colour and pattern, as these creature-like machines enter and leave the viewable area.

The Biome machines generate their own markations using a pattern generator based on simple rules. Each Biome is running the same software but as the machines are generative each system is evolving differently. The patterns have been slowly increasing in complexity since April 2005 when we first launched them. This visual complexity is augmented by a component of the program that acts like a virus, seeking out machines lacking complexity and forcing them to reload their pattern generator. Even we, the authors of the program, cannot foresee how the machines will look. The unique appearance of each machine contributes to the overall diversity of the Biomes. Like those who view the work we have our own favourites, likes and dislikes. As the space beyond the screen is so vast, when a machine we like disappears from view, it may never be seen again.

Links:

Biome image documentation