Generative Art with Swarm Landscapes

Abstract

We present a generative swarm art project that creates 3D animations by running a Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm over synthetic landscapes produced by an objective function. Different kinds of functions are explored, including mathematical expressions, Perlin noise-based terrain, and several image-based procedures. A method for displaying the particle swarm exploring the search space in aesthetically pleasing ways is described. Several experiments are detailed and analyzed and a number of interesting visual artifacts are highlighted.

Designing Color Symmetry in Stigmergic Art

“…Modifying the source images with the aim of creating visual art that resembles known pictures or paintings but also provides a reinterpretation has also been a topic in bio-inspired generative art. For example, see the modification of source images from the history of art by stochastic hillclimbers, plant propagation algorithms, simulated annealing, or particle swarms [31,32], as well as image transitions by random walks [5,23,33]. In the experiments reported here, two well-known painting by Johannes Vermeer were used: Girl with a Pearl Earring (1665) and View of Delft (1661).…”

Designing color symmetry in stigmergic art

“…Modifying source images with the aim of creating visual art that resembles known pictures or paintings but also give a reinterpretation has also been a topic in bio-inspired generative art. For example, see the modification of source images from the history of art by stochastic hillclimbers, plant propagation algorithms, simulated annealing, or particle swarms [7,19], but also image transitions by random walks [1,17,18]. In the experiments reported here, two well-known painting by Johannes Vermeer have been used: Girl with a Pearl Earring (1665) and View of Delft (1661).…”