Algorithmic Artists Unite

Of all the artists out there in the world, how many use computers? No doubt very many now. Of these how many work algorithmically? I have no idea, but my guess is not very many. Most of the ones I know about are doing fractals, variations on the Mandelbrot Set and the like. But there must be at least a few more like myself who are mainly working other veins of algorithmic ore. Whatever your particular niche I would like to hear from you. If you have a website I would be glad to include your site on my Links page.

The mainstream art world is largely contemptuous of computer artists and many galleries totally shut out any consideration of representing digital art. It's the same thing that happened to photographers in the 19th century and to some extent is still happening. When a new medium for artistic expression emerges the entrenched establishment feels threatened and fights for the status quo. We algorithmic artists are a minority within a minority and so far we are scattered and largely unaware of each other. Let's unite in an effort to raise our profile and emerge into visibility as a phenomenon in the art world. I'm not saying that we need adhere to any common aesthetic principles nor to give up any individual autonomy. Not at all. Nor am I saying that we should think of ourselves as a school or a movement. But we do have in common the algorithmic way of working and we face the same struggle for acceptance in the larger art community.

My goal is to bring algorithmic artists together for discussion, inspiration, further projects, such as a group show, a joint publication, establishing web links, etc. Ideas on these topics are most welcome. To begin with I'd like to see what other artists are doing. Send me an email. Tell me what's on your mind.

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