Diviso 4

Diviso 4

1988

Diviso 4 (divided by 4) is a random generator of images, created for producing visual configurations with as much freedom as possible. The goal was to create very simple rules that were able to generate shapes and color combinations, different and unpredictable each time.

A square is colored and randomly divided into four parts which can each undergo a color transformation:

  1. acquisition of one of the adjacent colors;
  2. random variation of the chromatic components;
  3. chromatic inversion (complementary color).

Further subdivisions and new color variations are applied to the four obtained squares, and this procedure continues until reaching single pixels.

To not overly influence the results, real aesthetic rules were not envisaged beyond that of chromatic inversion, which was made much less likely. This does not always guarantee agreeable results, but allows for some variability in the configurations. Some images could possibly be more effective and evocative in cultures or perceptual systems other than our own.

Version for the “Art and Science” conference, photographed on a highly curved screen of a 14" CRT monitor. The date and time are shown to clarify that the image was generated in real time, because it was a very uncommon possibility at that time.
Prints on thermal paper photographed (badly) for the “Beni mobili” exhibition catalog.
Some of the images that can be obtained with the latest JavaScript version.
The contrasting and irregular configurations can naturally evoke objects, landscapes or strange imaginary beings (pareidolia).
The JavaScript version of 2016 with the ability to animate the images or save them.
1988
First version prepared as a graduation project at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera (Academy of Fine Arts of Brera). Programmed in Turbo Pascal for an MSX2 computer with 256x424 interlaced pixels and 256 predefined colors.
 
Exhibition at the conference “Art and Science” organized by the Bertolt Brecht Cultural Society of Milan.
1989
Publication in the exhibition catalog “Beni mobili” (Movables) edited by Careof. However, the work on display was “Disegno e campitura” which was terminated after the catalog’s printing.
1997
Java (applet) version with 512x512 pixel resolution and with a limit of 256 predefined colors.
2010-11
Processing version offering automatic parameter variation and display of the resulting animation.
2016
JavaScript version with the addition of an option to save the obtained image.