TIM_B_033 Artgorithms: Algorithmic Art – theory

Faculty of Arts
Autumn 2019
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 4 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Tomáš Staudek, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Tomáš Staudek, Ph.D.
Department of Musicology – Faculty of Arts
Contact Person: Bc. Jitka Leflíková
Supplier department: Department of Musicology – Faculty of Arts
Timetable
Wed 14:00–15:40 N21
Prerequisites
In this course we explore the places where art, mathematics and algorithms meet.
The course assumes creative mind, artistic thinking, computer literacy and elementary knowledge of mathematics.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 150 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/150, only registered: 0/150, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/150
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The aim of this course is to get acquainted with the principles of mathematics and computer science in visual arts;
to understand theoretical foundations of algorithms for visual creativity;
to get an overview of applied computer art;
to apply practical skills from the field of software aesthetics;
to realize and criticize artistic creations with the aid of computer.
 
After accomplishing the course students will acquire theoretical and applied competence in software aesthetics;
will be able to interpret and evaluate algorithmic works of art;
will deepen creative skills by fulfilling practical graphic assignments.
Learning outcomes
After accomplishing the course students will be able to:
- apply theoretical and practical competence in software aesthetics;
- write an academic essay on interdisciplinary topics from science and humanities;
- interpret and evaluate algorithmic works of art;
- employ practical skills in creating own computer-aided artworks.
Syllabus
  • 1. Towards computer art: art in the 20th and 21st centuries.
  • 2. Software aesthetics: visual forms of computer art.
  • 3. History of computer art: from the oscilloscope to interactive media.
  • 4. Aesthetic functions: from sinus and cosinus to the superformula.
  • 5. Aesthetic transformations: repetition, parametrization and rhythm of algorithms.
  • 6. Aesthetic proportions: golden section in mathematics, art and design.
  • 7. Spirals and graftals: models of growth and branching in nature.
  • 8. Geometric fractals: iterated functions and space filling curves.
  • 9. Algebraic fractals: from the complex plane to higher dimensions.
  • 10. Chaotic fractals: visual chaos of strange attractors.
  • 11. Symmetry and ornament: periodic tiling and interlocking mosaics.
  • 12. Nonperiodic and special tiling: spiral, hyperbolic and aperiodic mosaics.
  • 13. Mathematical knots: knots and braids from the Celts to modern topology.
Literature
  • MANOVICH, Lev. Software Takes Command. Bloomsbury Academic. ISBN 1-62356-745-9. 2013. URL info
  • MCCORMACK, Jon, Oliver BOWN, Alan DORIN and Jonatnan MCCABE. Ten Questions Concerning Generative Computer Art. Leonardo: Journal of Arts, Sciences and Technology. 2012. URL info
  • STINY, George and James GIPS. Algorithmic Aesthetics: Computer Models for Criticism & Design in the Arts. University of California. ISBN 0-520-03467-8. 1978. URL info
  • CAPLAN, Craig S. The Bridges Archive. The Bridges Organization, 2013. URL info
  • FRIEDMAN, Nat and Ergun AKLEMAN. HYPERSEEING. The International Society of the Arts, Mathematics, and Architecture (ISAMA), 2012. URL info
  • RADOVIC, Ljiljana. VisMath. Mathematical Institute SASA, Belgrade. ISSN 1821-1437. 2014. URL info
  • SCHIFFMAN, Daniel. The Nature of Code: Simulating Natural Systems with Processing. Daniel Schiffman. ISBN 0-9859308-0-2. 2012. URL info
  • MONFORT, Nick and Patsy BAUDOIN. 10 PRINT CHR$(205.5+RND(1)); : GOTO 10. The MIT Press, 2012. URL info
Teaching methods
Teaching activities include lectures and practical assignments. Classes are supported by e‑learning activities in LMS Schoology. Students are responsible for reading and watching provided materials and participating in class discussions.
Assignments are provided in the form of individually elaborated projects. For each assignment free creative applications are available. The artworks will be displayed in the students' gallery: http://artgorithms.tumblr.com/
Assessment methods
The final grade corresponds to the points earned during the semester. Students will pass the course after accomplishing half of assignments (50 points). For the final project (another 50 points) students may submit a research paper on any course topic. Extra points can be attributed for class activity.

Grading scale: A = 100–90, B=89–80, C=79–70, D=69–60, E=59–50, F<50 points.
Language of instruction
Czech
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
Teacher's information
http://artgorithms.droppages.com
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2020, Autumn 2021, Autumn 2022, Autumn 2023, Autumn 2024.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Autumn 2019, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/phil/autumn2019/TIM_B_033