Conversations: Commonalities Between Seemingly Unrelated Systems

Conversations is a long-form generative work that delves into a multitude of subject matters, all revolving around the concept of conversation. Initially sparked by Rhoda Kellogg’s research on children’s art, the series functions as a collage, bringing together different themes connected by this central idea. From the free, expressive nature of children's drawings—closely linked to the dynamic interplay of free jazz musicians—to the communication found in nature through the structure of mycelium, everything around us is constantly in conversation.

While the series remains visually recognizable as a pxlshrd work through its distinctive colors and textures, Conversations introduces more representational elements. "I started exploring the woods with greater awareness," pxlshrd reflects, describing how they began coding outdoors, snapping photos with vintage Y2K digicams and reading books to better understand the patterns observed during these walks.

This departure from the usual desk-bound workflow has visibly influenced Conversations, pushing the work toward more figurative elements. "It was a surprising shift, as I'd never considered including representational elements in my coding output before." As the viewer explores the collection, they’ll notice various algorithms coming together—from L-systems that represent natural forms like trees and mycelium structures, to flocking, line-drawing, and circle-packing algorithms. Trigonometric functions generate semi-abstract scribbles that resemble flowers, suns, faces, houses, and mandalas. These shapes, inspired by early childhood drawing patterns, reveal the connection between children's art and free jazz: instinctive and pure expression that is rooted in emotional resonance rather than realistic depiction or predefined rules.

Some outputs from Conversations evoke the energy of a child’s drawing, while others lean toward purely abstract landscapes. It is in this contrast that Conversations has its dialogue, balancing these seemingly opposing elements at first sight and revealing their similarities by juxtaposing these two elements within the work. The range between vibrant colors and more muted, nature-inspired tones encourages the viewer to explore the full range of outputs within the system.

Though much of the work in Conversations feels expressive, there's a distinct balance between creative freedom and the structured framework of coding. The systems used in the project are given a significant amount of autonomy, contributing to the variety of outputs within the collection. Different techniques are layered and then carefully broken down to leave behind subtle hints and fragments of their original forms.

“I thoroughly enjoy building layers of commonly used techniques and methodically deconstructing them. I continue with this process until the blurry bits that remain are solely hauntological remnants of the original techniques.” This approach intentionally breaks away from the traditional association of code-based art with grids, geometric patterns, and a more rigid, posthuman aesthetic.

"Conversations is a distillation of my current thoughts on several topics, most of which have been incorporated subtly—almost invisibly." The challenge was to condense these complex ideas into a clear, linear narrative that would remain accessible to viewers without feeling restrictive. "That’s why I opted for a longer text, reduced to the key aspects of Conversations." The writing process became a tool for organizing and refining both the aesthetic and conceptual aspects of the project as it approached completion.

Due to the vast diversity of possible outputs, collectors have the opportunity to explore the system and curate a piece that resonates with them. In addition to the 40 collector-curated outputs, the artist and rudxane will mint 10 artist-curated pieces to ensure the full breadth of the system is visible in the final collection of 50. These artist-curated pieces are designed to balance the collection as a whole, should the collector-curated selections gravitate toward specific styles or themes.

by rudxane