Generative Art - harnessing the power of technology to enhance art
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Philips Research has been examining how to support artists in producing new expressions of art that combine traditional techniques with advanced technologies to create something very different. Known as Generative Art, these series of images never stop evolving, within the framework defined by the artist, yet never repeat themselves. Artistic collaboration Multimedia art is not in itself particularly new. However, much of it is developed for special occasions like shows or exhibitions. Italian artists Federico Bonelli and Maurizio Martinucci set out to create something that was more permanent - yet at the same time transient. Their unique form of generative art is known as ‘protoquadro’. |
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Ever-evolving Protoquadro art starts out conventionally enough with a series of photos and images with very specific properties along the artist’s chosen theme. A software algorithm designed according to the laws of chaos is then applied to select and combine different aspects of the photographs to create unique and constantly evolving works of art that can be displayed on flat screens or projected onto suitable surfaces in places ranging from homes, offices and hotels to shops, museums and other public buildings. Such is the nature of the technique that the resulting artwork will never repeat itself, and even the artist is unable to predict precisely which direction it will evolve in. So unique is each creation that two protoquadros generated using the same set of photos and algorithm will even develop differently. Fascination Philips Research first became involved in the generative art movement out of sheer fascination with the technique. It was  immediately clear, however, that the scope of art could be
expanded by applying technology developed within Philips to
reach a much wider audience. “As soon as we saw a
protoquadro in action, we realized that the gap between art
and technology was closing," says Evert van Loenen of the
Philips Experience Lab. "Artists are keen to explore new
media and technologies, and the application of electronics
brings art very much into Philips’ realm.”A touch of technology Philips initially supported the artists in successfully scaling up their protoquadros to wall-sized and multiple screens. “What we have brought to the artists is the technology they themselves did not have the resource or expertise to develop," adds van Loenen. "This is taking generative art to the next level, and highlights how the worlds of art and technology are now becoming inextricably linked.” Philips has for example applied its motion sensor technology to develop an interactive version of protoquadro that accelerates the speed at which the image evolves when someone approaches. The sensors even detect which angle passers-by are approaching from. This variation of generative art could be of huge potential interest to the retail sector. Interactive shop windows could come to life as people pass, attracting great attention even when the shop is closed. A demonstration version of this can already be seen at the Philips Research ExperienceLab in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. Widely applicable Generative art could also be a very attractive proposition for the hospitality sector. Hotels frequently hang paintings in bedrooms and public places; with generative art, it will be possible to commission a series of works of art along a theme relevant to the hotel chain, but with each piece unique and ever-changing. Hospitals, too, where images often hang in corridors and waiting rooms, could become far more interesting places to be with protoquadro art enlivening the wait. Pushing the boundaries Philips, together with the two Italian artists, are already thinking about the next generation of generative art which will take the protoquadro experience beyond just the screen. By incorporating special light effects and sound, it becomes possible to provide a much more complete sense of immersion – as well as open up new opportunities for commercial and social applications.
More Information:
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Generative Art - The vision of the artist +
Interview with Federico Bonelli, one of the
protoquadro artists
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