For Engineering Analyst, Callum Brown, creativity has always been a fundamental part of who he is. While his day-to-day life as a software engineer calls upon his analytical and logical thinking, he has always harboured a passion for art – a contrast that fuels his desire to explore the intersection of two seemingly opposite worlds.
“I’ve always been drawn to the idea that art and technology can coexist. Art isn’t just about expression; it’s about process, patterns, and problem-solving. Software engineering, in its own way, mirrors those qualities.” Callum explains.
That perspective is what led Callum to a remarkable breakthrough. During a university course last year, he encountered a genetic camouflaging algorithm designed to assist doctors in diagnosing retinal conditions.
The algorithm essentially ‘painted over’ problematic areas in images of retinas, using patterns to highlight abnormalities for better analysis. This concept, though highly clinical, sparked an idea in Callum’s mind.
“I remember thinking, what if I could take this idea and use it to create art? It felt like such an exciting opportunity to combine something deeply human, like creativity, with the precision and complexity of technology,” he recalls.
And with this, Callum embarked on an ambitious project: repurposing the genetic algorithm to recreate famous works of art – stroke by stroke.
The Algorithm That “Paints” Art
At its core, the process Callum devised involves a genetic algorithm inspired by evolution in nature. The algorithm begins with a blank canvas populated by thousands of ‘brushstroke’ caterpillars. Each caterpillar has a unique set of characteristics, including size, colour, shape, and position on the canvas. The ultimate goal is for the algorithm to refine itself over successive generations, producing an image that closely resembles a target painting.
“The concept mirrors how evolution works in the natural world. It’s like a rainforest filled with camouflaging caterpillars. The better a caterpillar blends into its environment, the more likely it is to survive and reproduce, passing on its characteristics to the next generation. Over time, you get an entire population of caterpillars that are perfectly adapted to their surroundings,” Callum explains.
“And with each generation of caterpillar, the canvas moves closer to recreating the original artwork, pixel by pixel.”
Recreating Van Gogh’s “Starry Night”
One of Callum’s first experiments – or artworks – involved Vincent Van Gogh’s iconic Starry Night. Using his algorithm, he initialised the process with 4,000 randomly placed caterpillars acting as brushstrokes. At first, the canvas was a chaotic mess, but as the algorithm began to evaluate and adjust each stroke based on its contribution to the overall image, order began to emerge.
“After about 200 generations, the resemblance to Starry Night was undeniable. It was amazing to watch the algorithm essentially ‘learn’ how to paint, finding the best combination of strokes to bring the image to life.”
The finished product, a dynamic reinterpretation of Starry Night, retains the signature swirls and vibrant colours of Van Gogh’s masterpiece while embracing the unique, fragmented aesthetic of Callum’s algorithmic approach.
From Art to Applications
Original Sequana image
While Callum initially approached the project as a fun way to blend his passions, he quickly recognised the broader implications of his work. Genetic algorithms, like the one he developed, have applications far beyond art. These algorithms excel at solving complex optimisation problems in fields such as robotics, prosthetics, and even urban planning.
“The beauty of genetic algorithms is their versatility,” Callum explains. “The same principles that allow my algorithm to recreate a painting could be applied to designing a robotic arm that adapts to a specific task, or even optimising traffic flow in a busy city. The challenge lies in creating a complex enough environment for the algorithm to operate in – something that reflects the nuances of real-world problems.”
As a proof of concept, Callum tested his algorithm on a Sequana image, a highly intricate design that challenged the limits of the brushstrokes’ capabilities. After 200 generations, the result was an impressively accurate reinterpretation, proving that the algorithm could handle even the most detailed patterns.
A Meeting of Worlds: Art and Technology
For Callum, the project has been a rewarding exploration of the overlap between art and technology, two fields that are often seen as opposites. But to him, they are more alike than people realise.
“Art and coding are both about building something from nothing. With art, it’s about translating your vision into a tangible form. With coding, it’s about solving problems and creating systems. This project was my way of showing that the two can complement each other beautifully.”
While his algorithmic artworks are not meant to replace human creativity, they highlight the potential for technology to act as a collaborator in the creative process. Callum envisions a future where artists and engineers work hand-in-hand, using tools like his algorithm to push the boundaries of what’s possible in art.
Looking Ahead
What started as a university project has evolved into a labour of love that continues to inspire Callum. He is now exploring ways to make the technology more accessible, allowing others to experiment with creating their own algorithmic art. He’s also experimenting with different types of input images and brushstroke techniques to expand the range of styles his algorithm can emulate.
When asked about his ultimate goal for the project, Callum says, “I’d love for this to inspire people to think differently about art and technology. It’s not about replacing traditional methods – it’s about creating something new and exciting. And if it gets more people interested in both fields, that’s a win in my book!”
As Callum’s algorithm evolves, so does his vision for what it can achieve. Whether recreating masterpieces or solving real-world problems, his work is a testament to the power of curiosity, creativity, and the endless possibilities that arise when art and technology converge.
