One of my favourite algorithmic artists is Jared Tarbell. He creates, among other things, visualizations of complexity. About his work, he writes:

I write computer programs to create graphic images.

With an algorithmic goal in mind, I manipulate the work by finely crafting the semantics of each program. Specific results are pursued, although occasionally surprising discoveries are made.

I believe all code is dead unless executing within the computer. For this reason I distribute the source code of my programs in modifiable form to encourage life and spread love. Opening one’s code is a beneficial practice for both the programmer and the community. I appreciate modifications and extensions of these algorithms. Please send me your experiences.

A couple of my favourite pieces include “Bubble Chamber” and “Node Garden”. You can watch each instance of the work evolve before your eyes, if your browser supports Java applets. The artist provides notes on design, process, and experiments, as well as source code (in Processing) anyone can play with.

Also see levitated.net.