Computational expressionism : a study of drawing with computation

This thesis presents computational expressionism, an exploration of drawing using a computer that redefines the concepts of line and composition for the digital medium. It examines the artistic process involved in computational drawing, addressing the issues of skill, algorithmic style, authorship, re-appropriation, interactivity, dynamism, and the creative/evaluative process. The computational line augments the traditional concept of line making as a direct deposit or a scratching on a surface. Digital representation is based on computation; appearance is procedurally determined. The computational line embodies not only an algorithmic construction, but also dynamic and interactive behavior. A computer allows us to construct drawing instruments that take advantage of the dynamism, interactivity, behavioral elements and other features of a programming environment. Drawing becomes a two-fold process, at two distinct levels of interaction with the computer. The artist has to program the appearance and behavior of lines and subsequently draw with these lines by dragging a mouse or gesturing with some other input device. The compositions incorporate the beauty of computation with the creative impetus of the hand, whose apparent mistakes, hesitations and inspirations form a complex and critical component of visual expression.

Department dc:contributor.department

Program in Media Arts and Sciences (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

1999

Author dc:creator

• Berzowska, Joanna Maria, 1972-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Walter Bender.

• Architecture. Program in Media Arts and Sciences

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/61101

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/61101