Introduction
Computational (or Algorithmic) Art is an emerging
new field that uses mathematical algorithms and computers to generate imaginative
and abstract images. Fractals are a small but well known subset within this extensive
and varied field. In this course, students learn and apply mathematics and computer
programming to generate a wide range of images and animations. The work is guided and
evaluated by standard principles of design and composition
The power of this process lies in the relationship between image and algorithm.
The images give clear and immediate feedback about the structure and behavior of the
algorithm being explored. Going the other way, the goal of creating a specific visual
effect, challenges the student to understand the implication of a given programming or
mathematical construct.
Goals
This is course is intended to teach computational
thinking skills to students who have a passion for the visual arts. It is our belief that
any student can learn to program if the programming is presented as a solution to a
problem that has deep meaning and importance to the student. The problem being solved
here is that of understanding and creating visual images.
This course has no
pre-requisites beyond basic high-school math and should be accessible to any college student.
Software
Processing is a free, open source programming
environment. The processing website lists several excellent Procesing textbooks as well as numerous examples of
artists' work.