The art of algorithm

computer algorithm-generated patterns

Frederick creates authentically random patterns through computer algorithms.

Tyson Frederick, ’14 MFA Digital Media Art, employs an early 20th century, Austrian thought-experiment in quantum mechanics to explain how he creates his art. (It’s “Schrödinger’s Cat,” if you’re curious.) As an undergraduate working on a philosophy minor, Frederick developed an interest in the metaphysical and quantum mechanical concepts of existence. One day, an experiment using a computer-simulated Plinko board to test whether or not an observer watching an event can change the outcome of the event through force of will got Frederick seeking a way to create authentically random patterns through computer algorithms. After a programming class at SJSU, he started writing code to create randomly generated patterns that play equally with color, dimension, movement, originality and intention. In a perfect storm of art, philosophy and technology, his art was born.

—Allison Arbuthnot Sanders

Jody Ulate

Jody Ulate, '05 MA English, is editor of the Washington Square blog and printed alumni magazine.

You may also like...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *