ET ALgorithm Project Description

A latin phrase meaning "and others" or "and the others," et al invokes the rudiments of performance-based creation by instruction, wherein the work is brought into being by everyone but the author.  The performers create the work by following the author's algorithm, a set of rules used to explain a task or solve a problem.

In the vein of Sol LeWitt's art by instruction, design an ET ALgorithm that will be used to produce a rendering. One at a time, your sketch will be completed by everyone in the class, but you. Your canvas is 24x36 inches. Each of your artist colleagues will have 4 minutes to execute your instructions. Use your algorithm to simultaneously explore the unforeseeable potential of interpretation, and the inevitable predictability of a rule-based system.  Carefully consider the time constraint. Practice following your own instructions by looking for the extreme limitations of interpretation.

“Each wall drawing begins as a set of instructions or simple diagram to be followed in executing the work.“ (commentary on Sol LeWitt's 'Retrospective' at the Mass MoCA)

Wall Drawing 51