Beeldelementen #62

“Beeldelementen” seeks order amongst chaos. Bart Simons establishes structure by placing elements on a grid, then disrupting this order by introducing patterns, colors, and distortions. While the end result appears disorganized upon first glance, closer inspection reveals residual organization in the layers.

The graphic nature is reminiscent of collage constructed of cut up images from magazines. There is an echo of the punchcards which drove the creation of early generative art in the 1960s with programming languages such as FORTRAN being translated to holes in paper.

In particular, the concentric circles evident in some of the pieces belie the macro organization that is destroyed by the program. Repeated off-center layers thwart the attempt to find order, yet it can be found if each layer is examined and traced in turn.

“N=12 is an experiment in building intentional community, with 12 artists collaborating across seven time zones. Contemporary computer-based artists create their work while connected to an effectively infinite network of information. This affords artists the capacity for infinite input and collaboration, leaving them to distill these disparate connections and experiences into their artwork. Distinctly, the computer artist’s principal tool for creation is also a means for connection. This exhibition leans into the inherent proximity of computer users by explicitly asking 12 artists to create work while in constant dialogue with one another. These artists convened and collaborated online over several months, sharing their code and artistic processes while fostering a co-creative microcosm enriched by weekly meetings, aesthetic critiques, code reviews, and vibrant discussion.” — Aaron Penne