Encuentro de Formas
Inspired by Frieder Nake’s “Achsenparalleler Polygonzug”, this work explores a balance between geometry and chaotic movement. Nake worked with simple shapes, lines and polygons that align on the axis, creating a regular pattern but with visual freedom. Also, I make use of vertical and horizontal lines, adding movement, such as the circle that moves according to commands and lines that gradually move to their original position. The work is a relationship between the static and the dynamic, between the calculated and the spontaneous, maintaining the spirit of Nake’s algorithmic compositions, but incorporating my own vision of transformation and movement in space.
Technical, aesthetic and conceptual development
The code is divided into two parts. One controls the movement of the circle and the other controls the lines. In the first part, the circle moves according to a specific key pressed by the user, changing its position on the screen. In the second part, the lines are fixed in place, but move slowly when a special key is pressed, adding a challenge by avoiding touching between these two.
It should be noted that my work is not intended to be a game. Nake, who is known for his generative art, did not see his works as games, but rather as visual explorations within the digital world. He focused on creating systems to interact with the viewer, rather than offering a gaming experience. In my work I wanted it to be interactive, but without losing Nake’s point of view.
The work uses simple geometric shapes with a gray background that highlights the black elements. The contrast between static and moving elements creates a visual effect. The speed of the circle is constant and controlled by the user, while the lines begin to move slowly when you press a special key, adding a challenge. The goal is to prevent the circle from touching the lines.
The concept is based on the interaction between the user and the system, similar to how Nake explored computer-generated patterns. The user controls the movement of the circle, but the lines move in a programmed way, creating a collaboration between the code, the user and the artist. This reflects José Luis Brea’s idea about how art involves exploring its own limits and how user participation is part of the artistic process. In today’s society, art is produced and experienced in a more interactive way, turning the work into a mix between code and user interaction.
My work connects with José Luis Brea who mentions that ¹”Only those languages, or domains of significant production, in which a critical exploration of their own limits is carried out -contribute productions that we must legitimately consider “art.” This reflects that in my work, the circle and the lines move when the user presses the keys, but in an already programmed way, depending on the user’s actions. The final result of the work is not mine alone, but is a collaboration between the code, the user and the artist. This interaction nicely captures Brea’s idea about how artistic creation now includes user participation.
My work connects with the idea that ²”In 21st century society, art will not be exhibited. It will be produced, distributed and disseminated.” My work is not only to look at, but to interact with. Art is no longer shown in a traditional way, now both the artist and the user are part of the process. As a final result, my work is a mix between the code and what the user does.
Literature
Nake, Frieder. Frieder Nake - Wikipedia
Digital Art Museum - DAM
¹Brea, José Luis. (2002). “Breve (y desordenado) antiglosario –o diccionario de tópicos- sobre el arte electrónico” en La era postmedia. Acción comunicativa, prácticas (post)artísticas y dispositivos neomediales. Salamanca: CASA Editorial, pp. 4-8.
²Brea, José Luis. (2008). “Redefinición de las prácticas artísticas (s. 21)” en El tercer umbral. Estatuto de las prácticas artísticas en la era del capitalismo cultural. Murcia: CENDEAC, pp. 106-113. (p-108)