Sewon Park – LO – 06

Abstract Art drawn by the Random Number Generator designed and created by Larry Cotton (2017)

One interesting piece of art that utilized randomness is the RNG abstract art by Larry Cotton. Designing an algorithm that creates random art can be rather difficult to create. Although using random digits to dictate aspects of art such as size or color may not be too difficult using programs such as p5.js, Cotton has designed a machine that uses such algorithm to directly paint on the painting.

The machine is linked directly to the t-shaped glass panel that controls the stroke of the pen

The machine is linked directly to a computer where Cotton programs it to use random numbers to dictate color and pen stroke. In order to put some structure to the randomness, the user can dictate a certain range for the variables. As a Carnegie Mellon student, obviously I have heavy interest in engineering and other STEM subjects. As such, seeing an effective use of machinery to create abstract art was very inspiring.

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