04W MAT594 Noise


2004W		MAT 594 Visual Design through Algorithms: George Legrady Noise & Randomness in George Legrady projects
		Discuss the function of noise and randomness in projects related to photographic practice, and the integration of digital image processing activities in the mid-1980's with the AT&T Targa Truevision imaging system.


Urban Nature 1975-1980		A series of photographic studies that explored the relation between order and chaos in visual compositions, a precursor to my later interest in Claude Shannon´s Information Theory. The approach consisted of studying the visual relationship of cluttered, banal and uneventful subject matter (a form of noise) in real space and to orchestrate the subject matter to achieve a formal balance.


Noise-To-Signal 1986-199l		A series of investigations of image processing algorithms derived from space satellite and surveillance literature. The intention was to generate interesting processes by which to transform existing images, then later generating images purely from code. At that time, Chaos Theory, and Shannon's Information Theory were guiding factors directing the conceptualization of the work
		. Experimented with algorithms from image processing . Sources: satellite, surveillance algorithms . Information Theory (Shannon) topics . Conceptual Art references: systems, process

Between East West 1991		An installation on the theme of information exchange during the Cold War, with computer generated images produced by surveillance image processing algorithms. Image generating software were initiated through collaborative actions with a programmer in Hungary, near the end of the Socialist era.
		"Image Processing of the Schroud of Turin", Clifford Pickover

EquivalentsII 1992		An interactive work that uses a 2D fractal mid-point synthesis algorithm to create organic abstract images shaped by text input by the user. All phrases contributed by users remain with the work and function as reference for the feedback process when words in the user's phrase are compared to those in the data pool. The project's title positions digital algorithmic design in relation to Alfred Stieglitz's 1922 project "Equivalents".
Stieglitz's 1922 Equivalents		“Shapes as such do not interest me unless they happen to be an outer equivalent of something already taking form within me” Cloud like image, mathematically produced, intended to pass threshold of believable image (Turing test for images) Models: semiotics analysis, and linguistics Midpoint displacement 2D fractal algorithm
Procedure		. User inputs a phrase, this functions as seed value for shaping the cloud . Algorithm function disrupted by keywords: brighter, darker, noisier, smoother, spotty, etc. . Begins with 4 corners then subdivides . Eventually reaches down to pixel level subdivision, with smooth transition between tones . Cultural perspective: Our vision conforms to the photographic model.
Insistent meaningfulness		a mathematically constructed image that evokes the cultural and the sublime but exists as the result of a formula that does not have the capacity to express form, aesthetic resolution, poetics or beauty.