CS 291I: Computational Systems for Visual Art and Design

Computational systems of rules, relationships, and behaviors can extend traditional art and design practices or support new creative workflows and outcomes. In this course, we will explore the creation of computational systems for visual art and design. Following a studio format, we will learn creative coding platforms and algorithms to create visual works that are flexible, dynamic, and generative. In the process, we will touch on the design philosophy and abstractions of existing creative coding platforms and examine methods to create alternatives. Students will learn basic approaches to modify creative programming languages and frameworks or develop new software interfaces for visual expression. Technical production will be complemented by readings on computational art and design theory and review of seminal works in computational art and design.