NPC Artist

Generative art is commonly defined as digital works created through code. Although this feels like a contemporary medium, its origins are and methods are span over decades across many ways of working. Spawning from a rich history of net-art, minimalism, and conceptual art, generative artists utilize various processes and approaches to interact with the viewer through chance and systems. It’s almost like generative programs are Non-Player Characters (NPCs) in video games: digital entities with complex, pre-programmed behaviors. And like NPCs, without thoughtful intention, they can appear lifeless. So … how can an artist’s practice be so automatic without losing its soul?

“i use chance operations instead of operating according to my likes and dislikes. i use my work to change myself and i accept what the chance operations say. the i ching says that if you don't accept the chance operations you have no right to use them. which is very clear, so that's what i do.”
–John Cage, Conversing with Cage

Keywords

chance

can you give control away to get something new?
...

image-making

you'll made a website as a tool.
...

poetry

a string of text composed in no particular order ...
...

material

what is the materiality of the web?
...

In “NPC Artist: Programming for the Generative Web,” we invite artists, designers, and programmers to explore software as an extension of their artistic practice. How can you create a program that becomes the creator of a work itself? Over three weeks, participants will explore the technical and conceptual aspects of generative art while learning how practitioners use generative methods in their practice. Participants will use mainly JavaScript to program works that operate autonomously, generating a range of random outputs extending beyond the author's direct control.

“Artists are simulating life forms and their environments within the computer, creating elaborate works through mathematics. With these new artificial life forms, has life itself become a game? What changes in art practice are heralded by artworks that can evolve or be bred?”
–Nideffer / LaForge, :: SHIFT CTRL ::

Led by John Provencher and supported by guest instructors Travess Smalley and guest lecturer Maya Man, this workshop includes lectures, discussions, and demonstrations. Participants will journey through how these artists work and they're perspective on generative programming for the web.

What topics will be covered?

JavaScript

Net Art

Generative Art

Using Libraries (notably P5.js)

Creating Image-making Scripts

++ more

What is the expected workload over the 3 weeks?

Participants will engage in workshop sessions that include demonstrations and working prompts. While there may be opportunities to extend these prompts into personal time, it is up to each participant to decide how much additional work they wish to undertake outside of scheduled workshop hours.

Do I need any technical experience to join?

While there are no strict prerequisites, a basic familiarity with HTML and a general understanding of what JavaScript entails will greatly enhance your experience and the outcomes you achieve in the workshop.

What materials are required?

Participants will need a laptop and a text editor, such as VS Code or Sublime Text.

Are there scholarships available?

Yes, there are half-priced slots available for individuals who need help funding the workshop.

Who is the ideal candidate?

This workshop is ideal for individuals interested in experimenting with generative art, learning about its history, and understanding the context artists operate in the field. The course includes lectures and demonstrations, followed by practical prompts for exploration in and outside of the workshop. Please note: this is not an extensive programming course; the focus is on applying concepts learned in demonstrations rather than in-depth programming instruction.

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John Provencher is an independent artist based in New York City. His practice explores the generative nature of software as a tool to produce works both online and offline.

Maya Man is an artist focused on contemporary identity culture on the internet. Maya makes websites, generative series, and installations examining dominant narratives around femininity, authenticity, and the performance of self online.

Travess Smalley is an artist working with computation to make generative image systems. Travess creates painting software, computer graphics, digital images, books, drawings, and Pixel Rugs.

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posted by John Provencher
( 12/14/23 )