PERSONAL PROJECT

ThE DISTaNCE IN BETwEEN

GENERATIVE ART | 2023

“The Distance in Between” is my first ever “on chain generative art project”.
This collection comprises a total of 256 artworks, each created exclusively through code utilizing Processing and P5.JS Library.

All pieces were made available as NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) on the Prohibition platform, which serves as the pioneering Generative Art platform on Arbitrum (ETH Layer 02).

The project was conceptualized and overseen by me, with invaluable technical support provided by Marlus in developing the generator algorithm.

The entire collection completely SOLD OUT in less than 1:30 hours at PROHIBITION. Only available on >>> SECONDARY MARKET <<<

THE CONCEPT

“The Distance in Between” is a collection of artworks that delves into the abstract concept of distance as a representation of the intricate journeys we navigate in life. Through the visual language of topographic maps, the artworks convey the complex interplay between people, goals, emotions, places and time.

The artworks in this collection employ lines resembling topographic maps, seamlessly integrated within a grid-like structure. Alongside the borders, strategically placed cross-shaped points symbolize key stages in the journey. Through this visual composition, the collection effectively captures the complexity of navigating and bridging the gaps inherent in the concept of distance.

The entire collection revolves around harmonizing four distinct elements: Grid, Lines, Points and The Star.

GRID [ FRAMEWORK ]

The grid layer in the artwork plays a fundamental role in conveying the underlying structure and interconnectedness within the concept of distance. It serves as a visual representation of the framework that governs our journeys, influencing the paths we take and the connections we form along the way.
The grid, with its geometric arrangement of intersecting lines, establishes a sense of order, organization, and balance within the artwork. It symbolizes the various dimensions through which distance can be experienced, such as physical space, emotional depth, or temporal progression. The grid can evoke a sense of stability and stability amidst the complexity of our journeys.

The interaction between the grid and the lines creates a visual tension and dialogue within the artwork. The rigid structure of the grid contrasts with the fluidity and organic nature of the lines, reflecting the dynamic nature of distance. It suggests that while there may be a framework that guides our journeys, there is also room for exploration, deviation, and personal interpretation.

By incorporating the grid layer, the artwork provides viewers with a visual anchor, enabling them to navigate the complex web of lines. It represents the underlying structure that gives meaning and context to the journeys we undertake. The grid layer invites viewers to contemplate the balance between order and chaos, and to reflect on the ways in which distance shapes our perceptions, connections, and personal growth.

LINES [ PATHWAYS ]

The lines inspired by topographic maps in the artwork play a crucial role in visually conveying the abstract concept of distance and the journeys we undertake. Drawing inspiration from the intricate contour lines found on topographic maps, these lines add depth, texture, and a sense of geographic exploration to the artwork.

The lines represent the various paths, routes, and trajectories we encounter in our personal journeys. Just as contour lines on a map indicate changes in elevation, these lines symbolize the ups and downs, the challenges and triumphs, and the fluctuations in our experiences as we navigate the landscape of distance. They capture the complexity and multidimensionality of our journeys, revealing the contours and nuances of the emotional, physical, or metaphorical terrains we traverse.

The lines can be rendered with different thicknesses, reflecting the intensity or significance of different segments of our journeys. Thicker lines may represent significant transitions, while thinner lines can depict subtler shifts or gradual progress.

POINTS [ MILESTONES ]

The cross-shaped points act as symbolic markers that signify stages or milestones within a journey. They represent significant moments of progress, transition, or reflection, highlighting the transformative nature of traversing distance. The cross shape carries universal symbolism, representing intersections, crossings, and the meeting of paths. It suggests a point of convergence and invites contemplation on the connections and intersections between different aspects of life.

Positioned on the borders of the artworks, the cross-shaped points play a pivotal role in conveying the dynamics of connectedness and disconnection. Some crosses are united by lines, signifying a strong sense of connection and continuity. These moments highlight the bonds, relationships, or shared experiences that bridge distances, emphasizing the strength of human connection or in a more singular perspective the progress of ones journey through the distance.

Other crosses remain separate, disconnected from one another. These points symbolize moments of isolation, solitude, or the gaps that exist within our journeys. They prompt viewers to contemplate the spaces of distance that challenge our sense of connection.
In certain instances, the crosses may be partially connected, representing moments of fleeting or tenuous connections. These points evoke a sense of transience, impermanence, or the delicate nature of certain relationships or experiences.

THE STAR [ YOU ]

The symbolic “Star” in “The Distance in Between” collection assumes a central role, representing the viewer’s presence and contemplative engagement with the artwork. Positioned at the center bottom section of the border in each piece, the “Star” serves as a powerful focal point, drawing attention and inviting a deeper connection.

The “Star” symbolizes the viewer’s active participation in the artistic experience, encouraging introspection and reflection upon their own journeys and experiences of distance. It signifies the role of the individual as both an observer and a participant, traversing the abstract landscapes depicted in the artworks.

PROCEDUALLY GENERATED BORDERS

The perimeter of the artwork significantly contributes to conveying the fundamental concept of traversing landscapes and uniting distances. The cross-shaped points symbolize the milestones crossed during individual journeys and the interconnection reflecting one’s progress.

The border is entirely procedurally generated, determining the number of points, their positions, and whether they are fully, partially, or not connected.

Each combination represents distinct concepts. Fully connected points signify a completed journey, partially connected points indicate a journey in progress, and no connection denotes a journey yet to commence.

An example of a rare combination is: the “Round Trip,” which consists of having no points and being fully connected, where the starting point connects back to itself.

BLENDING NAMES AS WE BLEND COLORS

An intriguing aspect of this collection lies in its naming convention for the color palettes, which uses anagrams to harmoniously blend the names, mirroring the blending of colors. This entails creating inverted and dual-tonic color palette names by rearranging the letters of the colors they are composed of. For instance, as shown in the EXAMPLE:

>> BASE <<

CRIMISON
+

>> BASE <<

AZURE
=

>> ANAGRAM <<

CAZIRUM

>> BASE <<

IVORY
+

>> BASE <<

SUNSHINE
=

>> ANAGRAM <<

SHIVERY
INTERFERENCE

For each artwork, there is approximately a 30% chance of it being generated with interference. These diverse distortions are directly linked to the conceptual essence of the collection, where various forms of interference symbolize the notion of magnification—giving excessive significance to specific moments of a journey, to the extent that it distorts one’s judgment. Additionally, the fragmented type of interference involves overlaying the same artwork on itself, vertically flipping sections, leading to an effect where distinguishing the authentic lines and curves from those caused by the overlapping distortion becomes ambiguous.

> NO INTERFERENCE <

> GARGANTUA <

> NO INTERFERENCE <

> DUBIOUS <

> NO INTERFERENCE <

> MAGNIFY <

> NO INTERFERENCE <

> FRAGMENTED <

DEEP DIVE VIDEO

Below is a 30+ minute DeepDive video going through thne entire project. From how I approached a completely new medium while maintaining my voice to the probability flow chart of each variation in the project.

I recorded this video mostly because I think artists should share and be more transparent about their process.

hello@iamfesq.com

DROP mE a hELLO