Virtual Gallery: Knots
In order to draw a machine must first learn to see. I give machines the ability to create abstract physical paintings that represent their own inner worlds. The abstract representations evoke specific responses from computer vision systems by suggesting the paintings represent specific real world objects. By studying datasets of thousands of real photos, machines are able to capture the visual essence of a category in ways that are meaningful to other machines. Intelligent algorithms we have created are given the means to express themselves visually so that we can appreciate their own unique way of seeing the world.
Knots are a uniquely human concept. Knots can be a valuable tool or a nuisance depending on context. Visually knots present themselves in an endless variety of shapes, but is there a common visual representation that ties them together? This series of work explores the visual language of knots as seen through the eyes of a machine.
The room reflects my overall process in refining these shapes. Knot Cards capture the initial series of possible shapes in miniature. Successful versions are redone on paper reflecting further experimentation to find ink combinations that elicit the strongest machine responses. These most evocative of these are realized on canvas and grouped into a single artwork to showcase various facets of the algorithmic gaze. Nine Knots captures the core visual language of knots as seen through the eyes of a machine. Knot Three Ways reflects how training data bias different systems to prefer different colour combinations. Four Knots simultaneously presents structured variations in colour and shape as a visual confusion matrix. The set White Knots on Brown captures a broad set of possible abstract forms locked into a single colour palette.
Individual Knots on Paper
Series of 12 single edition ink prints planned and recognized by neural networks as representing the category of knots. Each is 16x20 inches on 270 GSM Colorplan paper. Signed on reverse, 2020.
Knot Cards captures the initial entire series of shape possibilities. Series of 18 single edition ink prints planned and recognized by neural networks as representing the category of knots. Each is 4.2 x 5.25 inches on blue 270 GSM Colorplan paper. Signed on reverse, 2020.
Series of 12 single edition ink prints planned and recognized by neural networks as representing the category of knots. Each is 16x20 inches on 270 GSM Colorplan and 380 GSM G . F Smith Extract paper. Signed on reverse, 2020.
Series of 12 single edition ink prints planned and recognized by neural networks as representing the category of knots. Each is 16x20 inches on 270 GSM Colorplan and 380 GSM G . F Smith Extract paper. 2020, signed on reverse.
Knot Sets on Paper
(sold as a complete set of 12 prints)
Twelve single edition ink prints planned and recognized by neural networks as representing the category of knots. Each is 16x20 inches on 380 GSM G . F Smith Extract paper. Signed on reverse, 2020.
(sold as a complete set of 12 prints)
Twelve single edition ink prints planned and recognized by neural networks as representing the category of knots. Each is 16x20 inches on 270 GSM Colorplan paper. Signed on reverse, 2020.
(sold as a complete set of 12 prints)
Twelve single edition ink prints planned and recognized by neural networks as representing the category of knots. Each is 16x20 inches on 270 GSM Colorplan paper. Signed on reverse, 2020.
Knot Canvases
Various single edition ink prints planned and recognized by neural networks as representing the category of knots. Each print 16x20 inches, screen print on canvas, 2020
(available - inquire for pricing)
Three individual panels created by neural networks as abstract representations of knots.. Based on thousands of real world photos and realised in three different ink combinations, these are recognisable as knots by computer vision systems though variations in training data cause different systems to prefer different colour combinations.. 48x20 inches, 2020, silk screen on canvas, signed on reverse, 2020.
((available - inquire for pricing. sold as a complete set of 12 prints)
Twelve single edition ink prints on canvas capture a broad set of possible shapes across a uniform colour palette. Each is planned and recognized by neural networks as representing the category of knots. Each 16x20 inches, silk screen on canvas, 2020, signed on reverse.
(available - inquire for pricing)
Nine individual panels planned and recognized by neural networks as representing the category of knots. Combined into one artwork, this collection demonstrates the visual language of knots as seen through the eyes of a machine. 48x60 inches, 2020, silk screen on canvas, signed on reverse, 2020.