Joshua Wilson

Statement

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.

Artworks

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...

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.

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...