Dr. Jennifer Burg

Department of Computer Science

Research Project for Undergraduates

Algorithmic Art

Computer programming offers unique opportunities for the generation of visual art. Well known examples of algorithmic art include fractals, spirals, and recursive structures like the Koch star or Sierpinski’s gasket. This project involves exploring the possibilities of art that is generated by an interaction between computer algorithms and human creativity. The student undertaking this project will do research on the creations of other artists. He or she will then investigate the potential of programming languages like Processing, which is accessible to non-computer programmers and facilitates visual design. The student consider the interplay between intentional design on the part of the programmer and “emergent behavior” from the computer algorithm – that is, unexpected and serendipitous results that enhance the creation. For more information, see Section 2.8 in http://www.cs.wfu.edu/%7Eburg/nsf-due-0340969/textbased/Chapter2CS.pdf.