Photomosaics : Putting Pictures in their Place

Photomosaics are mosaics composed of photographic images instead of solid colored tiles. A Photomosaic is a multi-scale image, conveying different information when viewed up close as when seen from a distance. From a distance, only the global subject of the mosaic should be visible, appearing without discrete components, thus the photographic images chosen must be visually similar to the local region of the over-arching image they represent. This seamlessness is produced by introducing sub-picture resolution the consideration of regions within images. In addition to producing seamlessness, this resolution increases the potency of each tile, giving it greater global image forming ability. Up close, the Photomosaic should be seen as a matrix of individual photographs, taking the place of the larger image they collectively form. These photographs may be semantically related, directly, indirectly, or metaphorically, to the over-arching image in a global or localized fashion. This thesis presents the concepts, relevant research, essential technology, and creative applications of photomosaics. Thesis Supervisor: Michael Hawley Title: Assistant Professor of Media Arts and Sciences [This page intentionally left blank]