Duplicate Decisions #5

Metallic gel ink on black cotton paper, 10 x 14 in.

“Duplicate Decisions” is a set of nine abstract, generative paintings created with a robotic pen plotter. The robot follows instructions produced by a generative algorithm that combines several subroutines to create flowing, tentacled forms. The program creates a unique form each time it runs, and this is the fifth iteration in the series. Various metallic gel inks were applied to acid-free black cotton paper, measuring 10 x 14 in. (25.4 x 35.6 cm). It is signed and dated on the front and shipped flat, free of charge, globally via USPS.

Tentacles vary in thickness and their thickness determines their color and length. Thinner tentacles are shorter and have a redder hue, while thicker tentacles are longer and have a sepia hue. This series considers the similarities between electromechanical algorithms that power computation and biochemical algorithms that produce life.