Generative art is a medium of artistic expression that relies on algorithms, code, and technology to create unique and often unpredictable works of art. One of the key features of generative art is its ability to generate visual and auditory patterns that can be perceived by humans, and the range of such patterns can be extended by technology. However, with the help of technology, generative art can go beyond human sensory experience and represent a range of vision, hearing, touch, smell, and taste that cannot normally be perceived by humans but by machines.
Vision
The range of vision that can be perceived by machines, but not by humans, includes infrared and ultraviolet light. Infrared radiation has longer wavelengths than visible light and is commonly used in thermal imaging and remote sensing. Ultraviolet radiation has shorter wavelengths and is often used in medical imaging, germicidal lamps, and forensic investigations. By using specialized cameras or sensors that are sensitive to these wavelengths, generative artists can create visual representations of non-visible light that can be perceived by humans. For example, an installation could use lasers to create abstract shapes or patterns that are based on the data collected from sensors that detect non-visible light.
Hearing
The range of hearing that can be perceived by machines, but not by humans, includes ultrasonic and infrasonic frequencies. Ultrasonic frequencies are sounds that are above the range of human hearing, typically above 20,000 Hz. Infrasonic frequencies are sounds that are below the range of human hearing, typically below 20 Hz. By using sensors to detect data, generative artists can convert it into sound waves that fall within the range of human hearing. For example, an installation might use sensors to detect environmental data such as temperature or air quality and then convert this data into sound waves that are played through speakers or headphones.
Touch
The range of touch that can be perceived by machines, but not by humans, includes electromagnetic radiation and magnetic fields. Electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light and X-rays, can interact with our bodies, but humans cannot feel them directly. Magnetic fields are also present in our environment, but we cannot feel them without the aid of specialized equipment. By using haptic feedback or other types of sensory technology, generative artists can create interactive installations that allow viewers to experience non-visible touch.
Taste and smell
The range of taste and smell that can be perceived by machines, but not by humans, is vast. The human senses of taste and smell are limited compared to the range of chemical compounds that exist in the natural world. However, by using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, generative artists can detect and identify a much wider range of chemical compounds than the human senses can. By using sonification, generative artists can convert this data into sound, allowing viewers to experience the data in a new way.
Conclusion
Generative art provides a unique medium for exploring the limits of human perception and extending it with technology. By using technology to create novel ways of representing non-visible and non-audible phenomena, generative art can provide new insights into the world around us and create unique and immersive experiences for viewers. Through generative art, the range of vision, hearing, touch, smell, and taste that cannot normally be perceived by humans can be transformed into a form that can be experienced in new and exciting ways.