technological-developments

Developments in Software, Generative and Algorithmic Art have been closely tied to developments in computer hardware and software.

Early Hardware Systems
(1960s–1980s)

1. Plotters and Mainframes - 1960s

Vera Molnár and Manfred Mohr used early mainframe computers and plotters to generate geometric abstractions.

2. Oscilloscopes - 1970s

Laposky used a cathode ray oscilloscope with sine wave generators and various other electrical and electronic circuits to create abstract art.

Atari Dealer Demos showcased looping audiovisual sequences. This demo featured interactive elements and was the precursor to the demoscene culture of making self contained programmatic art. In recent times, rise in personal computing has further democratized generative art.

Benoit Mandelbrot’s mathematical models inspired artists to create recursive, self-similar patterns using algorithms. Research in fractals and möbius strips also lead to more generative art forms.

Harold Cohen’s AARON (1972), a rule-based program, produced drawings using symbolic logic, which grew more and more complex over time, as AARON was updated.

3. Wolfram Mathematica & Cellular Automatas - 1980s

Stephen Wolfram’s software (1980s) enabled artists to render complex mathematical structures like cellular automata as visual art.

4. Processing - 2000s

Developed in 2001 by Casey Reas and Ben Fry, this open-source language democratized algorithmic art by simplifying code-based visual experimentation. The tool allows artists and programmers to write code in an interactive environment to generate infinite possible artforms

5. Touch Designer - 2020s

Node-based visual programming platform widely used for real-time interactive multimedia art, enabling artists to create generative visuals, dynamic installations, and data-driven experiences. Allows people without programming experience to programmatically create art.

1. Open-Source Collaboration

Platforms like GitHub (2008) allowed artists to share and collaborate on code-based projects. Tools like Blender and Processing allow artists to create rule based art from code.

Schmitt, A. (n.d.). Generative quantum ballets. Retrieved February 23, 2025, from https://www.antoineschmitt.com/generative-quantum-ballets/

Huffman, J. R. (n.d.). Art by quantum entanglement. Retrieved February 23, 2025, from https://medium.com/@jrussellhuffman/art-by-quantum-entanglement-5c3bbafb2400

Mandelbrot, B. B. (1982). The fractal geometry of nature. New York, NY: W. H. Freeman and Company.

Cohen, H. (n.d.). AARON: The art-making program. Retrieved February 23, 2025, from http://www.aaronshome.com/

Reas, C., & Fry, B. (2007). Processing: A programming handbook for visual designers and artists. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

Quantum computing art is exploring new dimensions by leveraging quantum algorithms like superposition to generate visualizations that defy classical logic. These early experiments suggest a shift toward abstract, multi-dimensional representations that push the boundaries of traditional artistic forms.

Software and Procedural Generation
(1970s–Now)

Generative AI represents a breakthrough in algorithmic art by enabling machines to autonomously create unique, complex visual and auditory compositions. It pushes the boundaries of software art, allowing for interactive and evolving creative experiences that were previously impossible.