Fractals are the form of mathematics looking to make sense of seemingly random patterns. Fractal patterns can be found throughout both nature and science. Snow flakes and clouds are two obvious examples, but even solid objects like trees and flowers show signs of fractal patterns. On a more technical level we as technology users owe a great deal to fractals, in particular they are crucial in our ability to compress digital signals and images.
Fractal calculations can also be used to create a unique form of art, simply known as fractal art. This form of art may appear abstract but the opposite is more accurate, they’re natural, organic and often more beautiful than you could ever imagine. Sadly Benoit Mandelbrot who coined the phrase died recently, so in his honour let’s take a closer look at some fractal art.
Fractal art is created through displaying fractal calculations and results in visual form. This is done with the aid of fractal generating software; different patterns are created through altering input values and parameters. Fractals by their nature are complex geometric shapes, so there’s always going to be an element of extermination. Software outputs fractals most commonly as a digital image; this allows other image manipulation techniques to be used also, most notably Adobe Photoshop.
Fractal art can be viewed in very close detail due to the formulas used to create patterns. Artists are able to zoom in closely to reveal additional patterns without any image distortion. What may appear to be random mathematics, can actually be used to create great organic looking patterns and beautiful works of art. This collection has been compiled from deviantART which is home to a large fractal art community, check it out some time and explore the world of fractal art further.
Showcase of Fractal Art
Decent Fantasies by n8iveattitude1
Discontinuality Part I by stevi0d
Discontinuality Part II by stevi0d
041110-02-160701917 by tearsanthunder
Breaking Out of Solution by khold01
The Fury of Your Betrayal by satania
Conclusion
That’s was our 30 examples of fractal art. Are you a fan of fractal art? What was your favourite? Have we missed any? We’d love to hear what you think about fractal design, so why not share with us below. If you like what you’ve seen, take a look at the great fractal art community on deviantART.