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Subdivision
Created for Genuary 2025, now part of #GenuaryForever on Gamma. Subdivision explores the beauty of structured randomness through recursive division, transforming simple forms into intricate, mesmerizing compositions—an algorithmic dance of geometry in constant evolution.
The algorithm.
Imagine a blank canvas. Now, picture a hand gently dividing it into two sections. Then, each of those sections is divided again. And again. And again—until an intricate, organic pattern emerges, filled with unexpected shapes and compositions. This is the essence of subdivision, a technique at the heart of generative art.
Subdivision is a process where a larger shape is repeatedly split into smaller parts. Instead of a human artist making these decisions, an algorithm takes control, using a set of rules to determine how each split occurs. The result is a beautifully complex, unpredictable pattern that feels both structured and spontaneous.
Variations.
What makes this technique so captivating is the balance between order and randomness. The shapes follow a structured rule, but the unpredictable proportions make each artwork unique. Just like how no two trees have identical branches, no two outputs of this algorithm are ever the same. It’s generative art at its finest—an artwork shaped by logic, yet full of surprises.
Inspiration.
The idea of using geometry and subdivision in art is not new. Throughout history, artists have explored mathematical principles to create stunning compositions. The Dutch painter Piet Mondrian, for example, simplified the world into bold grids of rectangles, laying the foundation for geometric abstraction. Similarly, the Bauhaus movement, led by figures like Josef Albers, emphasized the relationship between shapes, colors, and subdivisions.
Even earlier, Islamic geometric art showcased intricate tiling patterns, where subdivision played a key role in creating infinite, mesmerizing designs. The 20th-century artist M.C. Escher took this concept further, using recursive division to construct impossible worlds filled with repeating patterns and tessellations.
Broadway Boogie-Woogie, 1942Piet Mondrian
Structural Constellation, 1954Josef Albers
Mural Mosaic in The Alhambra, 1922M.C. Escher
Decorative Composition, 1912Vasyl Yermylov
Traits: The DNA of Subdivision.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Subdivision is its rich variety of traits, allowing each output to express a unique identity. The algorithm introduces multiple modes, color schemes, and distortions, ensuring that no two pieces are alike.
These traits work together in infinite combinations, resulting in a vast collection of generative expressions, each shaped by a controlled balance of order and chance. Here are some of the key traits that shape each composition:
Straight Angles
Clean, structured divisions that emphasize precision and symmetry.
Random Angles
Adds an organic, dynamic feel by shifting subdivisions at unpredictable angles.
Grid Mode
A rigid, uniform layout that enhances order and balance.
Displacement
Introduces subtle or dramatic shifts in the structure, distorting the geometric flow.
Dark Mode
A moody, high-contrast version that highlights depth and shadow.
Color Target
Selective color application, focusing on specific regions to create focal points.
Color Variations
13 diverse palettes, each offering a distinct visual mood, from vibrant neons to muted earth tones.
No Color Mode
Removes all fill colors, reducing the composition to pure lines and strokes, where form takes precedence over color.
Next time you look at a piece of Subdivision, take a moment to appreciate the hidden structure beneath its beauty. Somewhere in the code, a simple set of rules is shaping something uniquely captivating.
Friday, March 14th, 2025
Thank you for reading.