The Mind Creative | Page 14

The Mind Creative

In mathematics and computer science, an algorithm is a step-bystep logical procedure for calculations. Most computer programs
are usually based on algorithms with a finite start and a definitive
ending. On the other hand, a form of art known as ‘generative art’
is defined as ‘art that in whole or in part has been created with
the use of an autonomous system’. An autonomous system in this
context is generally one that is non-human and can independently
determine features of an artwork that would otherwise require
decisions made directly by the artist. Algorithmic art is a type of
generative art and is produced on computers through pre-defined
algorithmic programs written by the artist.
The creator of such works of art is often referred to as an Algorist.
Algorithmic art has been present since the early days of
computers. However, it was only in 1995 that a group of artists
(led by Jean Pierre Hebert) adopted the term ‘algorist’.

Peter Beyls, 1988
Ghent, Belgium

Manfred Mohr, 2000
© 2000 by Manfred Mohr

14