Verloop — Dégradé
Is a collaborative exploration between Rik Oostenbroek's and David Aerne's, building the lateral fluidity of handcrafted gradients with the precision of algorithmic composition. In this work, Oostenbroek’s instinctive color conceptions conjure a visual conversation with Aerne’s code, attempting to find a mode of art that motivates artists to perpetually orchestrate a dance of human intuition with machine logic. The result is a discrete process, where colour surfaces with technical refinement. What matters in this dialogue is their singularity, achieved not through categorical affirmations of novelty or tradition, but through the specificity of their effect and the acuity of control, spontaneity, and the essence of color itself.
Conversation between Artist and Machine
The book centers on the unfolding dialogue between artist and machine. The artist initiates this exchange by crafting a gradient, a starting pulse that the machine responds to, generating variations from the original. The artist then steps back into the process, selecting and curating the most compelling forms, guiding the machine’s output into a unified, final composition.
The piece begins by selecting a random, handcrafted gradient, then branches out, generating a series of nuanced variations rooted in that initial choice.
Original Gradient
Gradient Vault
Each of Oostenbroek’s gradients is meticulously crafted by hand and exported as SVG. Embedded within each piece, these gradients form a vast archive for the algorithm to explore. The code parses each gradient’s data, selecting one at random as a starting point and then generating a cascade of variations based on its unique properties. In this way, buyers receive every gradient that contributed to the creation of the final work, adding depth and authenticity to each piece.
Singular Pieces
On select pages, a gradient stands alone, unaccompanied by variations. Here, the viewer encounters the gradient in its purest form, inviting a moment of reflection: was this creation shaped by human hands, or is it the product of machine logic?
Anatomy of a Gradient
Technically, an SVG gradient is a linear journey between color points—a path where one color fades into another. Picture a line that begins with one hue and transforms as it reaches the other. In this book, however, the gradients are far richer, crafted with artistic precision and layered with multiple color points. These handcrafted compositions then become the foundation for the machine, which reshapes and reconfigures these points to produce a spectrum of variations.
At times, the data from these color points is repurposed to form new shapes, each filled with the gradient, bringing fresh dimensions and textures to the original composition.
Human Curation
The artist’s role in this process is not merely to initiate the dialogue but to guide it. The artist selects the most compelling pieces from the machine’s output, curating a final composition that is both harmonious and surprising. Sometimes the limitations of the print process require the artist to make adjustments, ensuring the final piece is as captivating as possible.
The possibilities were endless, we often found ourselves in a state of awe, discovering new forms and shapes that we had never seen before.
From Screen to Print
Curating this work meant selecting the most compelling pieces from the machine’s output, crafting a composition that felt both harmonious and unexpected. Translating these digital designs to print required thoughtful adjustments to capture the same vibrancy and detail. The printer Pantheon pushed the limits of what’s possible, going above and beyond to ensure each print achieved a level of richness and glory that brings the gradients to life on the page.
The Book
Crafted with attention to detail, the book measures 30 x 22 cm and spans 144 pages, embodying a substantial presence at 2 kilograms. Printed on Emotion Pure White 200 gsm, each page is designed to showcase the gradients with clarity and depth. The book’s weight, texture, and scale add to the experience, inviting readers to engage deeply with each piece.
The NFT
Each NFT stands as a unique digital artwork, offering collectors an exclusive connection to the project. Every NFT purchase also grants eligibility to receive a physical copy of the book, bridging the digital and tangible experience. The collection was be available on highlight.xyz , where collectors could secure their place in this one-of-a-kind series.
Claim The Book
Connect your wallet on artfora to begin the verification that you indeed own the NFT. Once your ownership is confirmed you will be able to fill the Shipping Form and order the shipment. The deadline for claiming is end of the year. The book can only be claimed once for each NFT.
Properties
Each generated piece carries a unique set of properties that guides its creation. These parameters, meticulously selected, balanced, and refined, shape the variations, ensuring each outcome is distinct, captivating, and occasionally surprising.
Core Properites
Book Seed
Each piece originates from a unique seed—a foundational value that defines its genesis. This seed remains embedded within the piece, marking its place in the book as an integral part of its identity.
Gradient Name
A string representing the name of the palette used for the selected gradient, drawn from an extensive collection. Each name is chosen from a vast archive of 30,241 unique color names that David Aerne has currated overated years of meticulous collection.
Phases
A numeric value representing the number of steps involved in generating the gradient.
Flow
A string that specifies the type of modification applied to the gradient. Options include:
- Noise - More chaotic outputs
- Pow - Incrementally growing gradients
- Linear - Straight lines
- Sin - Wave Shaped Gradient
- Cos - Wave Shaped gradient
Focus
Number value that affects the gradient's zoom level
Credits
co-published by Nguyen Wahed & RRose Editions, 2024. ISBN: