Primordial

Primordial was released on May 13th, 2022, and is currently available to mint on Art Blocks.

I love that when I write a generative program, even though I understand every component that went into it, the art it creates can still surprise me. When I give the computer more control over the creative process, I empower it to produce exciting results. However, giving up that control can increase the chances of disappointing results, so I have designed Primordial to avoid that.

Primordial is a continuation of my exploration of variation in generative art. At the core of Primordial is an emergent system capable of producing a huge number of distinct structures, but which regularly produces uninteresting ones. To hone in on the algorithm’s exciting possibilities, I developed a set of heuristics for what makes an interesting arrangement. If an output meets these heuristics, the algorithm keeps it; if not, the output is replaced. The images on this page represent the final sets curated by the algorithm.

Primordial not only explores the variation possible from individual outputs, but the potential relationships that exist between outputs. A set of three rules is used to generate each of the forms, and two of those three rules remain the same between each image in the triptych. While only one rule is ever changed between the three images, the magnitude of the resulting differences can vary wildly. Sometimes the shape is preserved and only the fine details are affected. Sometimes the forms are clearly related but distinct, preserving things like symmetry or negative space. And then sometimes the outputs look entirely unrelated, despite sharing two thirds of the same DNA.

While I have given up a lot of control in how Primordial generates arrangements, I have intentionally guided the algorithm towards generating images that communicate the organic feeling of living organisms. I have an immense sense of wonder when I encounter something new in the natural world, and I try to capture that feeling in my work. Applying these organic textures can have a different impact depending on the output, ranging from swirling abstract color fields to alien embryogenesis.

The colors of Primordial are finely tuned for variation as well. In the spirit of a project entirely about emergent interactions the color palettes are entirely generative as well. The color algorithm is similar to a random walk with certain colors replaced by a highly contrasting color. The end result is generally quite harmonious, and details in the forms can be blended or highlighted depending on the interaction between neighboring layers. The black background makes the collection visually cohesive, and represents the void from which these strange forms emerge.

I think of Primordial as a very experimental project because of the huge amount of variation it can produce. Minting an iteration permanently to the blockchain represents putting your faith not just in the algorithm but in my artistic vision, and I am so thankful to everyone who has done so.