Conclusion
When we think of generative art, we generally think of p5js sketches, Vera Molnar’s plotter drawings, and flow fields. These are all things I hold dear to my heart but just below the surface of that view, we can find a rich abundance of other avenues to explore. I am confident there are more examples and perspectives I have not included!
In working with the categories above, I frequently found that examples or ideas could fit into multiple sections. I think a multitude of opportunities for new artworks can be found by looking at ways elements and ideas from each of these categories can be combined and remixed.
There is a rich conceptual scope in considering the boundaries between what is chance and what is the result of a series of prior steps as well as the questions of where ideas and randomness come from, where generativity appears in nature, what isn’t generative, what is a simulation, and more.
Generative art isn’t a new genre, but it is booming at the moment, and in some ways we’re still in the early stages of what’s possible. I look forward to seeing (and contributing to!) work that explores these avenues and more, and tackles these conceptual questions.