Generative Art Theory

This chapter shows that generative computer art is in fact a subset of the larger field of generative art. It is seen that generative art can leverage virtually any kind of system, not just computers, and that it in fact is as old as art itself. The key element in generative art is the use of an external system to which the artist cedes partial or total control. This understanding moves generative art theory into discussions focused primarily on systems, their role, their relationship to creativity and authorship, system taxonomies, and so on. The chapter also considers a series of problems in generative art theory. It is notable that, for the most part, these problems equally apply to both digital and non-digital generative art; to generative art past, present, and future; and to ordered, disordered, and complex generative art.