.abstraction.minified()

abstraction-minified-7.jpeg

Exhibitions

About

.abstraction().minified() is an interactive generative artwork and mini installation about the world of creative/live coding, open source systems and free culture. A system consists of many layers (abstractions) with different functions that work together. Every part can function on its own (consisting of an input, transformation and output), but by approaching the system holistically we see that combining functions will generate an output that is more intricate and complexer than just the sum of its parts.

Visitors can interact with the artwork by adjusting the knobs, changing functions and parameters at a high level. These high-level functions generate pre-coded algorithms displayed on the screen, and one meta-parameter allows the control of variables within a multitude of functions. This gives the visitor a means of exploring liveness in abstractions and allows them to start “coding” with little understanding of it. Interacting with the installation results in various visual patterns generated in real-time on the display. The pixelated output in the work is both an aesthetic choice as well as a result from technical limitations of the hardware. The code could also run on a more recent computer with a decent graphics card in high resolution, but the choice for a low cost micro-computer was made to make a portable artwork and reduce material cost and energy usage. In addition, the higher resolution is also not needed to convey the intention of the artwork and see the visual patterns.

Abstracting is the process of removing non-essential information, making a generalization that exposes fundamental structures. An abstraction brings all underlying processes together into one group. The term finds its way through science and mathematics, but is also used as a form of art. Besides that, abstraction plays an important part in what we characterize as human intelligence, allowing us to see patterns and make connections between seemingly unrelatable things.

The whole system of the artwork is open. It uses a micro-computer (Raspberry Pi) and is written in JavaScript using the Hydra library by Olivia Jack. The controller is programmed with Arduino on an ESP32 micro-controller. All these systems and libraries are in their place abstractions as well, created as a gesture to democratize technology and make it more accessible. The source code for this installation is on github, so everyone can learn from the code, remix the code, and build their own version for a RaspberryPi or run it on a computer. The code is shared under an open-source license and the artistic output is shared under a creative commons license. This license ensures free culture, allowing others to share - copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format for any purpose, even commercially - and adapt - remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially. The first version of this installation was commissioned by the CODA Museum (Cultureel OnderDak Apeldoorn) in the Netherlands in 2023, the second iteration of the installation was exhibited at ACEC (Apeldoorns Centrum voor Eigentijdse Cultuur) in 2024.

See also

.abstraction()

.abstraction() - EP

Software & Research

The code for the minified version is on codeberg:

Used Frameworks

Images

abstraction-minified-1.JPG abstraction-minified-4.jpeg abstraction-minified-6.jpeg abstraction-minified-7.jpeg
tmhglnd (c) 2026 | coded with hugo and console theme.