Obligate Symbionts #12

Acrylic on paper, 9.5 x 12.5 in.

“Obligate Symbionts” is a series of paintings created with a robotic pen plotter. The robot follows instructions produced by a generative algorithm that creates a unique output each time it runs. This is the twelfth painting in the series. Various acrylic paints were applied to 270 gsm acid-free paper, measuring 9.5 x 12.5 in. (24.13 x 31.75 cm). It is signed and dated on the front and shipped flat, unframed, free of charge globally via USPS.

The algorithm I wrote for this series generates ribbon-like forms that flow around eddy currents scattered across the canvas. Thinner forms succumb to the currents, while thicker forms break free. While working on this series, I kept thinking about all the mutual codependencies that make life work. The tiny microbes that live in our guts. A warm embrace during a time of need.