![[OLD FALL 2018] 15-104 • Introduction to Computing for Creative Practice](https://courses.ideate.cmu.edu/15-104/f2018/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/stop-banner.png)
Randomness is considered an almost imperative (CHECK THE WORD MAN) part of the creative process, whether it be through allowing one’s thoughts to run wild or through implementing actual forms of randomness into the process to create a random output. This second form of randomness can be seen clearly in the work of Cai Guo-Qiang, an artist who utilizes gunpowder to create his work.
His primary body of work manifests itself in two forms – fireworks that are set off according to his coded programs and controlled explosions on canvas – both of which have random outcomes in that there is no way to know what they will look like until the final product has been produced (this type of randomness is similar to weather in that you can expect what is to come but there is no specifics that are known).
Cai, who had a background in fine art painting, began exploring gunpowder as a medium because of its connection to nature and how it creates art in an organic, non-sequential way. This method of working is very inspirational to me, mainly because it is so different from what I do; my process usually contains some randomness in the initial idea phase, but once it comes to a final product, I usually like to have full control over what my work will look like. So, to embrace the random and explosive nature of gunpowder and create art out of it is simply fascinating to me.
Youtube Video of his process:
His website: http://www.caiguoqiang.com/