Ridge Regression #116

Ridge Regression is a tour of imagined landscapes rooted in data visualization, drawing from real elevation logs that reveal the landscape topography of France's diverse mountain ranges. The project’s algorithm involves an evolutionary process applied to geology, where new plausible landscapes are built by recombining a set of randomly sampled real location(s).

Because the data does not convey human influences on the land, the resulting landscapes are stripped to their basic, raw forms. By observing the differences between real locations and these fragments of computational geological forms, the artworks highlight the impacts we have on our world – from inspiring transformations to consequential damages.

While some outputs contained unremarkable elements, their potential as components for broader compositions was harnessed by assembling them with stronger outputs, leading to the creation of those synthetic yet realistic landscapes. The project goes on to harmonize additional algorithmic systems for additional ridges, writings, and clouds – using a responsive grid layout that adapts to the shape of generated components.

Lastly, to give these bare forms and natural expressions further life, the algorithmic drawings were output in pen-plotter renderings that embrace an organic feel through coding techniques like line overlays and noise, and also by using physical brushes, calligraphic pens, and technical pens. Through these processes, the works are open to serving as intimate, elevated celebrations of imagined natural forms, or as exploratory gestures to be traded and sent as mementos of peaks not yet climbed.

Various technical and calligraphic ink pens plotted on 200 gsm Canson paper, signed
DIN A5 / 148 x 210 mm / 5.8 x 8.2 in 

The digital art shows the unique original plot, and is connected to an NFT on the ethereum blockchain. The original purchaser of this artwork will receive the A5 plot directly from the artist, and shipping costs are included in the winning bids. Upon resale, the accompanying physical work shall be shipped to the new owner at their cost.