Computing in Context: Computing and the Arts

Key Learning Objectives:

• Write code to generate and manipulate multimedia
• Discuss issues of authorship in AI generated/assisted art
• Understand the various roles in computational art - who is the audience, who is the artist, who is the programmer?
• Contextualize computational art in its place. How is computational art presented, and how does that presentation changes its meaning?

Other learning objectives:

• Know resources to further explore areas of interest
• Understand key areas and issues in computational art
• Have the confidence to work with code in an array of artistic domains

Pre-context labs

Lab 2: coding poetry and poeticizing code

Lab 3: Generative Art v0.1

Lab 4: Geometry

Lab 5: Computationally Collaborative Creativity

Module 1: Audio

In this module we use Sonic Pi to explore live coding and audio.

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Module 2: Interactive Animations

In this module we use Processing to explore generative art and visuals.

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Module 3: Professional Animation and Machine Learning

In this module we use Blender for professional quality animations. We also explore the impact of machine learning on computational art.

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FAQs

Will any of this help me get a job?

Probably. In module 1, we tackle live coding - the performative practice of writing code in front of an audience. While the art aspect of live coding may not be widely “marketable”, having the confidence to write code on the spot (especially in front of people you want to impress - audience or employer) is critical to any tech job. In module 2, we work with processing.py. While our focus is on generative art, this is has significant amount of overlap in the skill set used for data visualization (for example, the gorgeous graphics produced by the New York Times on a daily basis). In module 3, we work with machine learning - currently a hot topic in the job market.

More generally, hopefully through this class you will come to realize that any experience that you gain with computing (in any context) will be broadly applicable to many paths to gainful employment. Computing is a mindset and way of thinking more so than it is a skill set.