Pascal Dombis Artist

Pascal Dombis uses computer algorithms to create repetition unlikely to be done by hand.  He does so to develop overwhelming and "irrational" environments.   He "[tries] to make the most of [the computer] as a computational tool for it's capacity to ceaselessly repeat the same task" -- Dombis.com.  He starts with a simple "rule", for instance, a certain number of lines to be created in a random fashion, and lets forms emerge from his rules.  He compares this process to how neurons work in the brain using algorithms to form meaning.  He uses lines and shapes rather than specific, recognizable forms so that the product of his work is unidentifiable, more mysterious, and ultimately more irrational. 

The factor I like most about Dombis's approach is the degree to which the computer is applicable to his work  Other digital artists we have looked at could have easily been done as paintings, still holding a strong effect.  It is interesting that Dombis favors the computer, but does not display his work on the computer screen but in real spaces, which seems irrational and therefore congruent with his overall theme.  The algorithm aspects represents extreme order and computation, while the results look chaotic.  I also appreciate the simplicity even though he wrote he was tempted to explore more sophisticated forms, but did not find them as effective.  I like how the specific algorithm in his work is driven by the place he is creating it in.  For example, a long hallway may have seemingly endless straight, horizontal lines appearing to extend the space. 

One question I am left with is that he says the colors used in his work are randomly generated, but in the third example, the blue and red must have been specifically chosen.  He does not say how the colors have an effect on the viewer and I feel that this is important because of the simplicity of the work -- the viewer is left with only line and color elements.  Overall, I feel that the work is excessive and abundant in a way that comments on modern times.  The piece that appeals the most to me is the second piece because I feel it is most integrated into it's environment and the most unique.

Source: Dombis's Homepage