daniel shiffman

Just about all image processing functions – blurs, edge detection, etc. – are performed with simple matrix math, either by giving various weights to neighboring members of a matrix (i.e. a “convolution”) or by performing “compare and contrast” tests on neighboring pixels. In creating Mosaic, I experimented with using another type of grid system whose behavior is determined by a set of local rules for interaction amongst neighboring cells, i.e. a Cellular Automaton or CA. Mosaic takes John Conway’s Game of Life CA (which treats cells on the grid as “alive” or “dead”) and creates an evolving portrait of the viewer built out of small, multicolored, living cells.

Demo Video

Screenshots (click to enlarge):

Photos from Savannah College of Art & Design show (click to enlarge)