Existence: Individualism or

Mechanism?
Exploring the notion of how individuality exists within a system.

Kay Johns MA Digital Arts Online (Visual Arts) University of the Arts London, Camberwell.
Aims

My primary aims for this project are to create a video/audio installation that expresses

and questions the transformation of individuality within the conglomerate. I intend to explore

the notion of how individuality exists within a system, along with questioning the notion of

individualism/mechanism in my work (this may change depending on the perspective). Since

this topic is quite complex I can only really hope to explore aspects of this vast subject. I

aspire to convey these ideas by experimentation with pattern transformations and randomness

using generated elements as a method for the foundation of the work.

Secondary Aims: To research Chaos Theory, and experiment with a collection of repetitive,

but random processes within both the natural and electronic realms.

Objectives

• To obtain a clearer understanding of the natural world.

• To gain knowledge of theories and ideologies that may contribute to the

making processes of Generative Art.

• Acquire information from artists that already use this method.

• Explore and create my own art using this process.

• Project video onto kinetic sculptural forms.

• Create a collection of generated sampled sounds.

Historical Context

Over the years my work has developed from making dynamic sculptures into creating

multimedia installations, by exploring kinetics, sound and digital video. The historical

context of my work can be found in a combination of art practices from Kinetic Art, Anti-

Form Movement/Process Art, Video Art and Sound Art. In the past I have been intrigued by

the Kinetic ready-mades of Marcel Duchamp. The Anti-Form movement and artworks by

Robert Morris titled Scatter, Richard Serra’s Splatter, and the Subway Drawings by William

Anastasi as they all have a dynamic quality and an element of chance. I am also fascinated by

Video Art and the works of Nam June Paik, along with the experimental generated Sound Art

by John Cage.

Contemporary Context

The contemporary artists and artworks that I will be researching for this project will

be by Brian Eno, Philip Galenter, Bill Viola and Shardcore. At the time of writing, and as far

as I am aware the most relevant

contemporary artwork that

relates to my research is called

77 Million Paintings by Brian

Eno. This is a generative

artwork that reflects notions of

individuality and transformation

Fig 1. Brian Eno: 77 Million Paintings. Fabrica, Brighton, 2010.
http://www.culture24.org.uk/art/new+media/art77594
within a collective. See Fig 1.
Theoretical Context

The key words that reflect my project are Generative Art, Systems, Interconnectivity

and Individuality. The theories and ideologies I will be using to explore my question/artwork

can be linked to these keywords. I have listed my main theoretical areas of study below:

• Dynamic Systems: Generative Art Processes, and Chaos Theory.

• Popular Culture: Dystopian Future films and books.

• Philosophy: Existentialism, Atheism, Marxism.

• Theologies: Buddhism, Judaism and Christianity.

Methodology

My methodology for this project will be a combination of the following:

• Primary Research/Contextual: I have contacted Generative Artist/Theorist

Philip Galenter and arranged to interview him later in the year. I will be also

be researching other practitioners: Brian Eno, Bill Viola and Shardcore and

Sam Hewitt. I will examine not only their artwork but also research how they

judge what is objective and observable. I will also visit exhibitions, galleries

and museums.

• Qualitative and Quantitative Research:

I will send a video link of my artwork to 20 of my peers to view. Next I will

ask ten people only to make direct comments about the video. Once I have

received these comments back I will then send out a multiply choice

questionnaire in the likert style to all twenty people to complete.

• Visual Research: Taking photographs/video clips and drawing.

• Studio Practice: To explore methods and practices relating to generative art.

Since the subject of my question and process of making art simultaneously

 will play a major part in exploring my question, I will be researching different

systems incorporated within generative art. I will also experiment and make

my own systems that I will integrate within my studio practice. Here is a list of

my intentions. I will keep a record of my experimentations on my blog:

• Create rules similar to tradition board games and apply them to my artwork.

• Experimental video's of natural generative elements (fire, waves,)

• Research Chaos theory, Benoit Mandelbrot and explore making sculptural

patterns within the self similarity principle.

• Learn how to generate fractals with the programme called ChaosPro.

• Learn how to use Processing.

• Experiment with a collection of generated sounds by sampling sounds from

generative instruments and sound sculptures such as Aeolian Harp, Wind

Chimes, The Blackpool High Tide Organ, The Sea Organ and The Ringing

Singing Tree, and possibly make my own generative instrument.

• Play with and experiment with sculptural forms

• Experiment projecting video onto sculptural forms.

• Theoretical/Subject Research: To research Dynamic Systems: Generative

Art Processes and Chaos Theory. Popular Culture: Dystopian Future films and

books. Philosophy: Existentialism, Atheism, Marxism. Theologies:

Buddhism, Judaism and Christianity.

• Reflective research: This would possibly be in two stages, the first stage to

collect and reflect on of all the relevant information gathered to write my

reflective paper. This would contain information gathered from all the research

sections, along with reflection on blog entries, from feedback of tutorials and

group critiques to create my artwork for the final project. The second stage
 would be after my final exhibition. During the exhibition I would leave a

comment book that will also contribute to the knowledge and feedback gained

from the exhibition.

Outcomes

I am planning to create a digital video/audio installation where either video is projected onto

a kinetic sculptural form or possibly there will be a kinetic sculptural installation and a video

projection separately but within the same area. At this point I’m not sure about the exact

outcome, though the space required will be the approximately the same: 3.5 metres squared.

However from previous experience while setting up my BA Degree Show I realised that

space can be limiting, and I may not be able to obtain my chosen amount of space. If this is

the case I will need to know how much space I would have to work with beforehand so I can

experiment within that space. Ideally I would like this area to be built with walls around and a

doorway to enter that is also big enough for wheel chair access. I envision the installation to

have an immersive quality where only one or two people would enter at a time.

Risk Assessment

I will need to specify that my installation will only be suitable for either one or two people

entering at one time. I will do this either on a separate notice or on my personal statement so

people can read before entering. This will ensure that overcrowding does not occur and that

people can exit easily in case of an emergency. The kinetic sculptural installation will be

powered by batteries which is not a concern as they will be hidden from view. I’m not sure at

this point where the projector will need to be placed but both computer and projector will be

out of the way so not to cause distraction from the artwork. I will need to see where the

nearest plug sockets are and take into account the possible use of extension leads. For any

cables running along the wall or floor to computer and projector I will use a combination of
 either cable clips or floor cable covers for both neatness and safety. All cables will need to be

tested by an electrician for health and safety purposes prior to the exhibition.

Work Plan

I have split my work plan into a combination of colour coded sections. These topics

are the major stages of my work plan. The details of each section can be found in my

methodology that I previously mentioned.

Visual Research
Subject Research
Studio Practice
Contextual/Primary Research
Reflective Research

2011

January February March April May June July August September October November December

2012
January February March April May June July August September October November December

My plan is to research and complete all the areas mentioned in a constructive manner. While

I have highlighted a combination of the research topics for the same duration this does not
mean that I will constantly be researching them all every day, but what it does mean is that I

will switch back and forth for each topic during this time frame until each section is

completed. At this stage I do not know when all the course deadlines are so having a flexible

timetable that I can change and restructure is also important to achieve these goals.

Bibliography

Books:

Austin, H. James (1999) Zen & the Brain. Massachusetts. MIT Press.

Casey, R., & Fry, B. (2010) Getting started with processing. Sebastopol. O’Reilly Media Inc.

Comer, S. (2009) Film & video art. London. Tate.

Dawkins, R. (2006) 3rd ed. The Selfish Gene. Oxford. Oxford University Press.

Degrazia, D. (2005) Human Identity & Bio Ethics. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.

Field, M., & Golubitsky, M. (1992) Symmetry in chaos. New York. Oxford University Press
Inc..

Haralambos, M., & Holborn, M. (2008) Sociology themes & perspectives. London.
HarperCollins Ltd..

Humphreys, C. (2005) A Popular Dictionary of Buddhism. Richmond. Curzon Press. This

edition published in the Taylor & Francis e-library.

Huxley, A. (1994) Brave New World, Flamingo.

Koterski, J.D. (2009) Biblical Wisdom Literature. Fordham. The Teaching Company.

Johnson, S. (2002) Emergence. London. Penguin Books.

Kreeft, K. (2007) The Philosophy of Jesus. South Bend Indiana. St Augustine’s Press.

Macey D. (2001) Dictionary of Critical Theory, Penguin.

Machan, T. R. (1998) Classical Individualism. London. Routledge. This edition published in

the Taylor & francis e – library, 2005.

Manovich L., (2001) The language of New Media. London. MIT Press

Nies, A. (2009) Computability & Randomness. New York. Oxford Science Publications.

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Paul C., (2003). Digital art, London. Thames & Hudson.

Rand, A. (1964) The Virtue of Selfishness, Canada, Signet Books.

Rush, M. (1999) New media in the late 20th – Century art. London. Thames & Hudson.

Russel, B. (1975) Why I am not a Christian, London. Unwin Paperbacks.

Sardar,Z, &Abrams, I. (2004) Introducing chaos. Royston. Icon Books.

Sartre, JP. Barnes, H, E, ed. (2003) Being and nothingness, London. Routledge.

Schneider, E. et al.(eds.) (2003) Mariko mori wave UFO, Kunsthaus Bregenz.

Sutra, M.D. (2008) Quantum Buddhism. F.Lepine Publishing.

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Williams, P. Garnett. (1997) Chaos Theory Tamed. Washington, D.C. Joseph Henry Press.
Films:

Gamer, (2009) Mark Neveldine & Brian Taylor, UK, Lakeshore Productions, 95mins.

Kurt Vonnegut’s Harrison Bergeron (1995) Bruce Pittman, USA. Atlantis films Ltd.,
99mins.

Kurt Vonnegut’s Harrison Bergeron 2081 (2009) Chandler Tuttle, USA, Moving Picture
Institute, 25mins.

Nineteen Eighty – Four (1984) Michael Radford, UK, Umbrella Rosenblum Films
Productions 113mins.

The Island, (2005) Michael Bay, USA, Dreamworks, Warner Bros., 136mins.

Journals

Burraston, D. (2007) Fundamental Insights On Complex Systems Arising From Generative

Arts Practice. Leonardo. Vol. 40, Issue 4, pp 372-373.

Harle, R. (2008) YLEM Journal: Artists using Science & Technology. Leonardo. Vol. 41,
Issue 5, p.531.

Leggett, M. (2007) Generative Systems & the Cinematic Spaces of Film & Installation Art.
Leonardo. Vol. 40, Issue 2, pp.123-128.

Mcknown, R. (2005) Fort Andross/Brunswick: Amy Stacey Curtis: Third Solo-Biennial:

Change. Art New England. Vol. 26, no.2, p.22.

Monro, G. (2009) Emergence & Generative Art. Leonardo. Vol. 42, Issue 5, pp.476-477.

Schedel, Mg., & Rootberg, A. (2009) Generative Techniques in Hypermedia Performance.

Routledge. Vol. 28, No.1, pp.57-73.

Stasukevich, I. (2008) Crossing Over in Viola’s “Ocean Without a Shore.” American

Cinematography. Vol. 89, no.3, p.10, 12, 14.

Radio

Chaos (Documentary) (1992) Steward, I. Radio BBC Radio 4.

Television Programs

Odyssey 5, Complete Series (2006) Adam J. Shully, David Carson & Jim Michaels, USA,
Sony Pictures, DVD, 935mins.

The Prisoner,17 episodes, (1967-1968) Patrick McGoohan, et al, TV Series, ITV. British.
48mins (each episode).

.
The Secret Life of Chaos (Documentary) (2010) Stacey, N. TV. BBC Four, 9 Dec. 19.30 hrs.
60mins.

Websites & Internet Sources

Sterling, B. (2008) Design Processes Rather than Art. [Internet]. Available from:
http://www.fabrica.it/workshops/sterling_videos.html [Accessed 20th November 2010].

Viola, B. (1999) Exhibition Feature. [Internet] Available from:

http://www.sfmoma.org/media/features/viola/index.html [Accessed20th November 2010].

High Shoulder Productions (2006) Will Wright & Brian Eno “Playing With Time” [Internet]
http://fora.tv/2006/06/26/Will_Wright_and_Brian_Eno [Accessed 15th December 2010].

Galenter, P. What is Generative Art? Complexity Theory as a Context for Art Theory.
[internet] http://philipgalanter.com/downloads/ga2003_what_is_genart.pdf [Accessed on 2nd
Janurary 2011.

Galenter, P. (2009) The Generative Bodies Series. [Internet]

http://philipgalanter.com/art/generativebodies/a/ [Accessed on 2nd January 2011].