Category: LookingOutwards-02

A project I chose to highlight is Robert Hodgin’s Traffic simulation. What I found so interesting about this particular project is how it was able to really capture the human element through a computer program. Typically Hodgin’s work reflects animal phenomenons but the traffic simulation really stood out to me.

Unlike his other portfolio pieces, it captures the unique human aspect of personality. The “drivers” each have their own aggressiveness which is reflected in their driving decisions among the whole simulation. Unlike other visual traffic simulations, the cars aren’t moving in a uniform stream. Some drive faster than others and some cut others off or rush yellow lights.

In his portfolio, Robert Hodgin mentions what went into dictating the algorithm and what traffic rules were taken into account. Apart from the expected traffic lights, some drivers choose to turn left or right and shift lanes. Still what I think is the artistic element of this generative artwork is the aggressiveness factor that drivers have.

3D VectorField Animation – Step 3. Mathematic from JeongHo Park on Vimeo.

The work I found to be inspirational was done by an artist named JeongHo Park. The two works I will be referring to were actually done very recently, September 2020. Inspired by science and mathematics, he created a program that is composed of grids, lines, and dots. Most of his work reflects 3D space and while the dots and lines seem chaotic at first, all move together to suggest space and form. There is rhythm and cohesion in the way the dots and the lines all move together all while catching the viewer’s eye individually. I really admire how Park was able to control all the lines and dots and give each part of the program personality and flair. Park used openframework to create this project and he used 3D models to get the general idea of the movements. I think the small things like color, stroke weight, and even the momentum of the dots rushing past the canvas are all artistic choices Park made to personalize his work more.

gravity_photon from JeongHo Park on Vimeo.