Theory Rules: Art as Theory/Theory and Art

Introduction – Generative Art and Rules-Based Art

scores for free interpretation present systems of abstract symbols without a intended or predefined mapping into a multidimensional qualia space. The live performer invents a mapping from the abstract symbols into a property such as pitch, or color, or energy level, and then performs the score. Needless to say, some of these mappings will be more improvisational than others. Earle Brown (Beyond...

Herder and Reappraising Sculpture as Tactile Art

The main objective of this essay is to re-examine the nature of sculpture and its importance among arts via retrieving and studying the relatively neglected importance of touch in the experience of this art. This objective is pursued according to eighteenth-century German philosopher, Johann Gottfried Herder, by focusing on his Sculpture: Some Observations on Shape and Form from Pygmalion’s Cre...

What is Generative Art? Complexity Theory as a Context for Art Theory

In this paper an attempt is made to offer a definition of generative art that is inclusive and provides fertile ground for both technical and art theoretical development. First the use of systems is identified as a key element in generative art. Various ideas from complexity theory are then introduced. It is noted that systems exist on a continuum from the highly ordered to the highly disordere...

The Art of Criticism? Criticism as Art!

Art, Design and Gestalt Theory