Variations Combinator

Real-time generative art tool.

Designed for gamepad (tested with Xbox gamepad), but keyboard also works and has more actions. See keyboard shortcuts later below. Gamepad buttons are explained when pressing L2 with the gamepad.

How it works

The main algorithm composes a list of functions called *variations* (which I often just call functions here). They take a 2D position as input and return another 2D position (hence they can be composed). By plotting the images of particles filling a 2D square with transparent dots, subtle images can be obtained. The variations used here are found in fractal flames algorithms. Most of them have parameters that can be randomized. This is inspired by work from Genrateme aka tsulej who has also shown his outputs in a tumblr blog : https://folds2d.tumblr.com/ (see early posts (2016) in its Archive).

There is also a 3D mode.

Examples of outputs

Check out this tumblr blog with art using the tool : https://math-art-variations.tumblr.com/

---------------- Keyboard shortcuts : ----------------

Main keyboard shortcuts :

Escape : quit the app |

W and X : function selection navigation / change cursor position

C and V : change function at cursor

S : save picture (with timestamp in filename), also saves the list of functions in a text file. Both in "data/images" folder (currently not working in the linux executable release)

Q : randomize parameters of function at cursor (not possible for all variations)

Y :  randomize parameters of all functions

Z :  change all functions randomly

F / D : add / remove function above cursor

P / O : add / remove function at the end of the list

N : change color mode

! (exclamation mark) : activate/deactivate the 3D mode

E : change "bounding mode" of drawing

Less important keyboard shortcuts :

Numpad arrows (4,8,6,2) : translate function at cursor

5 : reset all translations

0 : reset translation of function at cursor

1 and 3 : change scale of function at cursor

. (dot) : reset scale of function at cursor

A : re-render

) : save screenshot

+ / - :  more or less opacity per particle

There are some more.

Github repository : https://github.com/Bleuje/variations-combinator

Latest executable update : 29/12/2022