Looking Outwards 2: Generative Art

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.