introduction
background descriptive
description
of a randomSeed
exhibition history
Vicky Isley & Paul Smith
Research Fellows in Computer Animation & Computer Art
NCCA, Bournemouth University
t:
+44 (0) 1202 966699
e: info at boredomresearch dot net
boredomresearch is represented by [DAM] Berlin
randomSeed
online
live networked archive hosted by HTTP, London. Uploads an image every hour
from exhibited work - watch a slide show of images that run back in time from
the most recent. This archive will be extended during the exhibition of the work
at selected venues.
randomSeed
essay contains a
detailed explanation of how randomSeed works were created during the exhibition
of the works at HTTP, London. This web page also contains an online version of
the work written in the processing programming language.
Stephen
Wolfram's publication 'A New Kind of Science' was a
great inspiration to this project
Mirek
Wojtowicz Cellular Automata simulator Mcell is a great application to download
dataisnature
a site with great links to other algorithmic and computational work
introduction
randomSeed is a screen based computational art work that uses simple rules to generate images which yield unpredictable structures, with a high level of visual complexity.
detail
of randomSeed
Peering into a randomSeed,
viewers see small black dots industriously working their way through a circle
of pixels. As the dots move through their simple world their endeavours yield
structures that reflect patterns in nature. At first these appear as simple pathways
weaving and intertwining. As time passes these grow in their complexity allowing
the viewer to witness the formation of an intricate pattern with subtle visual
qualities. This visual complexity continues to grow until the image takes on a
textured appearance, sometimes like granite. The exact visual properties of these
line and textures are determined by simple rules brought into being when the system
was first launched. At the discretion of the exhibitor the systems can be re-launched
with new rules and a different pattern with its own unique qualities will ensue.
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background descriptive
images
from left to right:
lens detail, detail 1, randomSeed freestanding,
detail 2, randomSeeds wall hung
The
randomSeed works were developed after extensive research into computational
models used in the study of artificial life. In part this was undertaken whilst
in residence at Artsway in the new Forest from 2002 - 2003. During this time we
deconstructed the process of building computational program dependent art works.
Reversing the normal trend of translating physical properties into electronic
form we de-digitised our artistic practice converting programmed works into a
paper based form. This lead to an interest in computational models that predated
electronic computing. In particular we were fascinated by Cellular Automata. Despite
now predominantly being computed on computers this technique for modelling artificial
life was originally executed on graph paper and allegedly conceived using broken
plates on the tiled floor of its inventors (John Conway) kitchen. This drew our
attention to the high level of visual complexity that can be achieve from the
repeated execution of very simple rules and we developed an extensive range of
Cellular Automata based rules and systems before finally arriving at the ones
implemented in randomSeed.
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description of a randomSeed
detail
of randomSeed
The work exists as
an object that can be either wall hung or freestanding. Each system is completely
self contained including its own custom built computer and screen. The screen
is visible through a circular lens that has a foreshortening effect, bringing
the image surface level with the surrounding frame to subtlety but profoundly
change the viewing experience. The housing has a burnished pearlescent finish
that reflect the colours used on screen. We built the work with a ‘plug in
and play’ philosophy. This means that once assembled and plugged in, the
work can be switched on and off with a single button pressed. The work automatically
saves its progress and on being powered up continues where it left off. To re-launched
a new randomSeed simply attach a standard keyboard and press the ’n’
key when instructed to do so at start-up.
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exhibition history 
randomSeed
at Aspex Gallery, Portsmouth 2005
randomSeed is part of our solo national touring exhibition theatre of restless automata in collaboration with Aspex Gallery, Portsmouth
exhibited
2006
SIGGRAPH06, Boston
Peterborough Digital Arts
2005
Aspex,
Portsmouth
HTTP://,
London
Greenham
Arts Centre, Greenham
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