thesis : i am a machine

toronto | 2020
experimental design, printmaking

i am a machine is one of the projects in my thesis research, under the scope of "digital vs analogue". This project focuses on understanding the logic of machine and how it works. Taking typography and printmaking techniques as the input and tools, I'm trying to push the boundary between digital (logic) and analogue (printmaking)— exploring the possibilities of algorithmic visuals.

input︎︎︎algorithm︎︎︎output

instructors | Ali Qadeer, Richard Hunt
design | connie tung

1. the alphabet

Based on the matrix, I created an alphabet and an algorithm on how to make them.
Anyone can use this series of algorithms to draw similar or completely different fonts.
This alphabet can be accomplished with dots or lines or anything else.

2. the matrix

This matrix algorithm is beyond the limitations of size and subject matter. To demonstrate
the capacity of this experiment, I used the word matrix in Chinese as the printing subject
and used circles in four different sizes to create a giant algorithm print. Differing from the
previous projects, I invited my peers to participate in the production of this experiment.
Everyone has become a machine— using the same algorithm and tools but printed out
distinct circles; some are missing a corner, some are hollow, and some are complete.
I found these imperfect analogue printed circles attractive because each circle narrative
a different story and embraces the uniqueness of each individual.