Genetic Art

Genetic Art: Abstract Digital Art

An open-source program generating unique digital artwork through biological evolution-inspired algorithm, starting with random shapes and colors.

What is Genetic Art?

Genetic Art is an open-source application that creates abstract digital artwork using a genetic algorithm. It is inspired by biological evolution, selectively 'breeding' images over many generations to produce visually striking and complex organic patterns.

It starts with an initial population of random shapes, colors, and textures. Each image is evaluated on aesthetic criteria like visual balance, color variation, and detail. The highest scoring images are chosen to seed the next generation by mixing and matching parts of their encodings, with some random mutations added in. This selective process repeats, keeping the most appealing visual traits while allowing for new creative combinations to emerge.

Over many generations, intricate textures, symmetry, repetition with variation, and surprising patterns can arise from very simple initial conditions and selection rules. The results have an alluring organic and flowing quality reminiscent of microorganisms, coral, or fluid dynamics. Each run of the program can produce wildly different outcomes from the same process.

The application has very few parameters to control so it can be enjoyed by beginners or used by digital artists to easily generate unique abstract backgrounds, textures, designs, and color palettes to incorporate into other work. The results often have an alien, yet natural feel that would be nearly impossible to intentionally design.

Genetic Art Features

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