Digital Chemotaxis

An artistic exploration of digital chemotaxis inspired by the work of Prof. Kees Weijer

Synthesis of Abstract Dynamic Quasiperiodic 3D Forms using SIRENs

This paper explores using SIRENs, neural networks with periodic activation functions, as a means for synthesising abstract three-dimensional dynamic forms. A SIREN is used to generate a field function for an implicit surface, with inputs for 3D position and time. A wide range of complex quasiperiodic forms can be created, with synthesis and rendering being achievable at interactive rates using modern graphics hardware

Deep Learning of Individual Aesthetics

Accurate evaluation of human aesthetic preferences represents a major challenge for creative evolutionary and generative systems research. Prior work has tended to focus on feature measures of the artefact, such as symmetry, complexity and coherence. However, research models from Psychology suggest that human aesthetic experiences encapsulate factors beyond the artefact, making accurate computational models very difficult to design. The interactive genetic algorithm (IGA) circumvents the problem through human-in-the-loop, subjective evaluation of aesthetics, but is limited due to user fatigue and small population sizes. In this paper we look at how recent advances in deep learning can assist in automating personal aesthetic judgement. Using a leading artist's computer art dataset, we investigate the relationship between image measures, such as complexity, and human aesthetic evaluation. We use dimension reduction methods to visualise both genotype and phenotype space in order to support the exploration of new territory in a generative system. Convolutional Neural Networks trained on the artist's prior aesthetic evaluations are used to suggest new possibilities similar or between known high quality genotype-phenotype mappings. We integrate this classification and discovery system into a software tool for evolving complex generative art and design

The Enigma of Complexity

In this paper we examine the concept of complexity as itapplies to generative art and design. Complexity has many different, dis-cipline specific definitions, such as complexity in physical systems (en-tropy), algorithmic measures of information complexity and the field of“complex systems”. We apply a series of different complexity measuresto three different generative art datasets and look at the correlationsbetween complexity and individual aesthetic judgement by the artist (inthe case of two datasets) or the physically measured complexity of 3Dforms. Our results show that the degree of correlation is different for eachset and measure, indicating that there is no overall “better” measure.However, specific measures do perform well on individual datasets, indi-cating that careful choice can increase the value of using such measures.We conclude by discussing the value of direct measures in generative andevolutionary art, reinforcing recent findings from neuroimaging and psy-chology which suggest human aesthetic judgement is informed by manyextrinsic factors beyond the measurable properties of the object beingjudged

The motivating operation and negatively reinforced problem behavior. A systematic review.

The concept of motivational operations exerts an increasing influence on the understanding and assessment of problem behavior in people with intellectual and developmental disability. In this systematic review of 59 methodologically robust studies of the influence of motivational operations in negative reinforcement paradigms in this population, we identify themes related to situational and biological variables that have implications for assessment, intervention, and further research. There is now good evidence that motivational operations of differing origins influence negatively reinforced problem behavior, and that these might be subject to manipulation to facilitate favorable outcomes. There is also good evidence that some biological variables warrant consideration in assessment procedures as they predispose the person's behavior to be influenced by specific motivational operations. The implications for assessment and intervention are made explicit with reference to variables that are open to manipulation or that require further research and conceptualization within causal models

Morphogenetic Vase Forms

This paper describes Vase Forms: a series of art works created using morphogenetic processes. A key motivation for these works was exploration of ways of working creatively with complex generative processes, such as morphogenetic systems, where the desire is to be able to influence the process in creative directions whilst achieving desired properties, such as fabricability using 3D printing, in a manner that retains rich emergence. The paper describes methods used in the creation of these works, including directly affecting morphogenetic processes using constraints and differential growth rates, combined with evolutionary search and machine learning algorithms to explore the space of possibilities afforded by the system. As well as describing the creation of Vase Forms, which have been successfully used to create sculptures, the paper looks at the closely related Mutant Vase Forms: an additional series of artworks created by accident when the system exploited bugs in the rules for the growth system resulting in unexpected but aesthetically interesting structures. These Mutant Vase Forms are not fabricable as physical sculptures with the originally intended methods, but now exist as virtual sculptures in stereoscopic installations

Chance and Control: Art in the Age of Computers

Since the 1960s, artists and programmers have used computers to create prints, drawings, paintings, photographs and digital artworks. This display celebrated 50 years and more of computer-generated art, exploring aspects of chance and control

Cellular Forms: an Artistic Exploration of Morphogenesis

Cellular Forms uses a simplified model of cellular growth to generate intricate sculptural shapes. Structures are created out of interconnected cells, with rules for the forces between cells, as well as rules for how cells accumulate internal nutrients. When the nutrient level in a cell exceeds a given threshold the cell splits into two, with both the parent and daughter cells reconnecting to their immediate neighbours. Many different complex organic structures are seen to arise from subtle variations of these rules, creating forms with strong reminiscences of plants, corals, internal organs and micro-organisms

Understanding Aesthetic Evaluation using Deep Learning

A bottleneck in any evolutionary art system is aesthetic evaluation. Many different methods have been proposed to automate the evaluation of aesthetics, including measures of symmetry, coherence, complexity, contrast and grouping. The interactive genetic algorithm (IGA) relies on human-in-the-loop, subjective evaluation of aesthetics, but limits possibilities for large search due to user fatigue and small population sizes. In this paper we look at how recent advances in deep learning can assist in automating personal aesthetic judgement. Using a leading artist's computer art dataset, we use dimensionality reduction methods to visualise both genotype and phenotype space in order to support the exploration of new territory in any generative system. Convolutional Neural Networks trained on the user's prior aesthetic evaluations are used to suggest new possibilities similar or between known high quality genotype-phenotype mappings

MUTATIONS / CRÉATIONS 2: Coder le monde, Pompidou Centre, Paris, 2018

Au sein de Mutations/Créations, Coder le monde présente un état de la création digitale contemporaine dans différentes disciplines. Revenant sur l’histoire du code numérique et la manière dont les artistes s’en sont emparés depuis l’avènement de l’ordinateur dans les années 1960, l’exposition fait apparaître un univers esthétique et critique commun qui questionne notre quotidien entièrement irrigué par les logiques numériques. Articulée autour de six timelines, l’exposition met au jour de multiples correspondances dans les logiques de création et offre une lisibilité globale de ce qui const..