Generative.net

What is generative art?

"Generative art refers to any art practice where the artist creates a process, such as a set of natural language rules, a computer program, a machine, or other procedural invention, which is then set into motion with some degree of autonomy contributing to or resulting in a completed work of art." At least, that's what it is according to Philip Galanter. Who are you and why do we put so much stock in what you say, Philip? What's your agenda? Who do you think you are? I'm just messing with your head, Philip. I love you and your wacky definitions.

In fact, Philip's is the best description I've heard for this crazy thing. Perhaps the best demonstration I can give you is Levitated.net, the Exploration of Computation. Go to first page and play around with the oil droplets. WHOO! Let the good times roll. After that, click on "Open Source" beneath that. They have dozens of other applets (You need Flash, but if you don't have Flash by now, you shouldn't be on the computer).

Anyway, Generative.net has a whole bunch of stuff like that, so take a look.