Joshua Wilson
Initially inspired 19 years ago by the
book "Symmetry and Chaos" by M. Field & M.
Golubitsky, I sought out computer programs that
produce images using algorithms.
These "metafractals" are often based on subjects with
obvious natural fractal properties. I see what inspired
Benoît Mandelbrot to challenge Euclidean
geometry and discover the true shape of the universe.
I also find that the work functions as a Rorschach test, inviting modern
psychology into the gallery as well.
Both in creation and discussion, my work embodies the
joy of discovery that strict scientist and dabbling
alchemist share. In my work, one might see the
beautiful intricacies of the Mandelbrot set, or simply
an ethereal nautilus shell. My love of fractal
mathematics, coupled with the "sampling" of the real
world with a camera, makes this work so exciting to
me. It bridges mathematics to psychology, photography
to printmaking, and simulation to reality.
Based on a photo of interior design elements, this piece has two infinity points that can easily be flipped by the mind's eye as foreground or background. This is what I call a "portal-type" Metafractal- one that suggests a door to another place, with perhaps very different metaphysical rules than this side...
Initially designed as a Valentine, this image was produced from light shining through a diamond into the camera lens. I particularly like the intricate implied hyperbolic planes that twist above the body of the heart to form "wings". I call this an "object-type" Metafractal, as it could easily stand as a sculpture if rendered in 3 dimensions.
This image was produced from a source picture of sand rivulets on a beach, tinted blue by a color inversion algorithm. Though there are many interesting individual patterns, the overall composition reminds me of an elephant's head, and therefore the elephant-headed Hindu patron of the arts and sciences, Ganesh (also known as Ganesha). Carl Jung would be proud...