Explora ex machina

This is the fourth in series of works where we pay homage to Ken Knowlton, scientist and computer graphic pioneer and artist who passed on June 16, 2022. Ken Knowlton developed the famous EXPLOR language, (Explicit 2-D Patterns, Local Operations, and Randomness) while at Bell Labs. He published a paper describing it in 1975 entitled: MINI-EXPLOR, A FORTRAN-Coded Version of the EXPLOR Language for Mini (and larger) Computers. (https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/988049.988052)

Explora ex machina is about exploring EXPLOR. In many ways the EXPLOR language is a snapshot in time (1975) where its capabilities were limited by the technology of the era its was created. Christopher Scussel and I are working on modernizing MINI-EXPLOR, he is working on the engine and I’m trying to put it through aesthetic trials. That’s exactly what this work is all about. The trick going forward will be to make it a usable creative tool without changing its character.

About this image. Back to the original EXPLOR picture plane size of 140x140, 5x5 pixel “cells” and 4 color palettes. The goal is to keep the EXPLOR retro vibe.

Explora ex machina is a set of some random number of three “primitives” chosen in no particular order. The members of the set consist of: A ribbon cable, a doughnut or “bit” (reminiscent of the original core memory of older machines), and single threads or wires. The things you would see if you opened up an old mainframe.

In EXPLOR drawing order is important. Each primitive has its own random variables which alter its appearance and its own rules for interacting with the background on to which it is placed.

The ribbon cable is a group of cells drawn contiguously along a horizontal sinusoidal path. The cable width is a variable chunk of its defining block. With EXPLOR you can always see the block, placed here in the upper right corner of the picture plane.

The bit consists of concentric rings drawn by a circle algorithm. The number of rings is fixed but their radii randomly scale. The colors of the rings cycle through the color palette.

Finally the vertical threads are single sinusoidal strands that visually tie the components of the composition together. The parameter of the threads’ curves and colors are random.

We continue to honor the passing of Ken Knowlton with this NFT series. Here is an opportunity to collect an example image from the famous program he authored now updated by Scussel and Kolomyjec. A true piece of Computer Graphic Art history with a modern twist.

(c)2022 Dr. Bill Kolomyjec and Christoper Scussel. All rights reserved.