dchikows – Section C – Looking Outward – 02

Karl Sims is a generative artist who has worked for industry and himself creating special effects software. Sims’ website is understated, but his two ARS Electronica Golden Nicas and a MacArthur Fellowship Award stand for themselves along with his work. When looking through his bio-inspired prints attention to detail is paramount. Sim’s created the pieces by the use of the Gray-Scott reaction-diffusion simulations. There is a kean distinction of his color pallets between light and dark tones, which seems to create a build up and almost zenith effect when looking at the images. In essence, to create the image a chemical reaction is simulated across a grid. From this grid once thousands cells is simulated patterns can emerge creating Sim’s images. Just as we are using variables in p5.js to create animations Sim’s aso uses variables in the software. One of which is the feed rate of the simulated chemicals being added to a reaction.

Find more of Sim’s work here