Casey Reas’ work, particularly his piece “Maharam,” indeed offers an exploration of randomness and the interplay between simplicity and complexity in art. The concept of “tissue work” that he employs is a remarkable way to create interesting patterns and forms that emerge from seemingly basic elements.
What’s striking about “Maharam” is how it mirrors natural processes. By allowing simple wiring to interact and cross-connect in an uncontrolled manner, Reas simulates a sort of artificial evolution. This process mimics the way natural systems, like neural networks or ecosystems, evolve and adapt over time through countless interactions. It’s a testament to how computational art can capture the essence of complexity found in nature.
When he multiplied the connections, which might be a reflection of how complex systems can appear chaotic or overwhelming when viewed up close. Yet, as mentioned, Reas’ ability to eventually shape this chaos into a discernible figure demonstrates the power of coding and computational art.