Algoriculturally (2006)
An experiment with using organic algorithms of plant growth, development, and reproduction to create an abstract audio-visual performance experience.
Demo Reel
Algoriculturally is a work-in-progress. Here is a demo reel of pieces shown at the Diapason Gallery in New York City.
> View demo reel here (87.5MB).
The final piece will be capable of being performed live, with the performer influencing and controlling the type of structures and the patterns of their growth.
Background
Algoriculturally is a sequence of animated plant structures. They start as points and grow out and unfold into complex organic forms. Some resemble real life, others become very abstract and alien. But all are formed using the real math — the real code of nature — that biologists use to describe actual plant growth and structural patterns. This includes leaf venation patterns, phyllotaxic arrangement of leaves and flower petals, Lindenmayer systems of growth, Johan Gielis' "superformula" modelling framework for natural forms, genetic algorithms, and such.
Algoriculturally is hand-coded by Josh using Java, Processing, CSound, and bits of Max/MSP.
This project was originally developed for Dan Shiffman's "Nature of Code" class and R. Luke DuBois' "Algorithmic Composition" class at ITP.
About Josh
Josh Knowles is currently a graduate student at New York University's Interactive Telecommunications Program.
Before ITP, Josh worked as a software developer and ran Frescher-Southern, a live electronic music and video events organization in Austin, Texas. He is also a former director of the Austin Museum of Digital Art and has a Plan II Honors (literature, philosophy, creative writing) undergraduate degree from the University of Texas.
Josh also performs live electronic music as "DXM" and "The Clearing Stages."
Find Josh online at his personal site Auscillate or his portfolio site joshknowl.es.
Contact: chasing@spaceship.com