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Purpose
This activity will allow students to develop a conceptual understanding of algorithms and rule-based systems as a means to create generative art through collaboration. Inspired by the renowned artist Sol LeWitt and his famous wall drawings, you will work together as a team to develop a set of rules that will guide the creation of your unique collaborative art piece.
Instructions
- Review & Analyze the Work of Sol LeWitt (Class Discussion) - Spend 15 minutes discussing Sol LeWitt's approach to art, focusing on his method of using simple rules to create complex and varied outputs.
- Brainstorm Drawing Rules - Take 15 minutes to individually develop a set of rules for creating a section of the collaborative art piece. Ensure each rule is clearly articulated to minimize interpretation variance. Don't forget to define the tools and the way you want them utilized.
- Create a Drawing Grid - Set up a grid on either 8.5 x 11 paper or a single roll of butcher block paper, divided evenly.
- Random Rule Assignment - Randomly assign each student a set of drawing rules developed during the brainstorming phase.
- Drawing Execution - Each student is given one cell of the grid to complete their drawing within, adhering as closely as possible to the rules assigned.
- Repeat with New Rules (if time allows) - Optionally, repeat the process with different rules to compare how varied instructions impact the outcomes.
Deliverables (One Set per Team)
- A clearly written set of rules (the rules you received).
- High-quality photos of each drawing produced by this algorithm.
- Post all deliverables in the Response Tab of this activity.
Materials
Large blank canvas (either 8.5" x 11" or butcher paper, depending on preference and available resources).
Drawing or painting materials (markers, paint, brushes, pens, colored pencils).
Rulers, protractors, and other drawing aids (optional).