Author: rkim

After looking at a couple of articles on randomness in the computation of art, I came across the work of Rami Hammour. The project presented is called “A Text of Random Meanings”. The art piece was completed during Hammour through the usage of python script as well as the “registers and taps” method of random number generator. From afar, the project simply looks like lines of texts which are created with various types of strokes in each column. It’s very interesting to see that from a distance, it resembles lines of texts. This causes the viewer to be curious and want to take a closer look at the text. However, because it is “random text”, there is no actual definition or meaning to the text. It represents randomness. If it was a regular piece of text, the natural reaction that humans would have is to read it because it would have meaning. If all the letters of each word were to be shuffled, each word would lose its meaning. For that reason, the “text” would also lose meaning. To add on, it is also interesting to see how numbers can be represented in an artistic way. Through the mapping of a random number generator, Rami Hammour combines computation and art in a very simple way while creating an intriguing outcome.

Jakub Javora is an artist who practices concept design, concept art, and illustration. One of the many projects that the artist completed was the concept art of an upcoming feature film called Restore Point. With the use of the location the story is based on, Javora was able to transform the real location into a futuristic and dark scene. It’s intriguing to see how one is able to create an alternate world through the use of 3D computer graphics. The artist used the newest version of the software Ebsynth, which he was able to paint the characters on. Ebsynth is a tool that converts real-life video footage into stylized hand-painted animation. This allowed him to achieve the “futuristic” look with both the characters and the environment.

‘Expressions’ is a series of artworks that were created through a collaboration with Kynd and Yu Miyashita (sound). This project explored the physical aspects of thick and bold paint that appear from digital space. This exploration allowed the artist to play with the shapes, light, and shadows that were made from the paint.

Through construction, Kynd combined 2D and 3D graphics that enabled him to create real-time graphics and renderings that had depth along with the interplay of light and shadow. With this method, there were many advantages. It was easier to create intricate shapes and details without the need to manage geometries. Kynd was able to use many 2D image processing techniques that included deformation, blurring, and so much more. It was also very “fast and lightweight” on the CPU. This project consisted of 2 graphical elements: autonomous elements and reactive elements. The tools that were used for ‘Expressions’ included TouchDesigner, openFrameworks, and WebGL. The music that was used for the video created different scenes that almost told a unique story due to its sequence.

The correlation between the 2D/3D graphics and the music were able to express the mood/emotion of the scene. With that said, Kynd has always been inspired by digital paint. As an art student with an interest in Expressionism and Neo-Expressionism, Kynd played around with many oils and other substances that we’re able to achieve unique characteristics and expressions. Even today, it constantly amazes me how intertwined technology and art have become over time.

The Heydar Aliyev Center is a cultural center that is located in Baku, Azerbaijan, and was designed by architect Zaha Hadid. When taking one look at this building, it is a breath-taking design. One can say that this project is an incredible achievement. The most difficult and critical part of this project was probably the architectural development of the skin/shell. However, with the use of advanced computations, it allowed the project to achieve its fluid characteristics. The geometry, structure, and materiality of this building create a harmony that allows us to see the transformation that architecture has gone through as well as being able to see the advancement of technology. Through computing, sketching, and physical modeling, Zaha Hadid and her team were able to create something that was unique and was able to look at the future. Through the interior and exterior of the building, Zaha Hadid wanted to create this blur between urban and architecture.

Behind the childhood animation, ‘Curious George’, there is an untold love story of the authors Hans and Margret Rey. In celebration of the 75th anniversary of ‘Curious George’, filmmaker Ema Ryan Yamazaki decided to put together a mixed-media documentary that tells the love story of the authors. When I was a little girl, I absolutely enjoyed reading the series and watching the TV show. Before reading this artile, I did not know that the animation was created by two German immigrants who were also a married couple as well. Children would think nothing more of the series of ‘Curious George’. However, as adults, I think it becomes very important to learn where the inspiration of the animation comes from.

As the filmmaker explained how ‘Curious George’ was a reflection of their life experiences and personalities, I was very fascinated by the connection. It is amazing how one can bring a story to life through a creative animation. However, the process of creating this animation as well as incorporating the same style of ‘Curious George’ is a load of work. Since the project itself consists of 15,000 hand-drawn drawings, Yamazaki had been trying to raise the funds so that more people can help. To this very day, it still amazes me how a set of drawings can be transformed into a motion picture. As a filmmaker, Yamazaki’s artistic sensibilities was able to develop the idea of presenting the story of Hans and Margret Rey through their own style. Choosing the same style that was used for ‘Curious George’ creates such a strong connection because it gives everyone a reminder of the animation.