The “Macuahuitl” Generative Art Toolbox

Synopsis

The “Macuahuiltl” Generative Art Toolbox is a collection of personal Python 3 scripts to generate artworks or elements for artworks that can either be used directly or processed further in common vector design software packages.

All scripts output Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) image files directly which easily can be loaded in common vector graphics application like InkScape, Affinity Designer, Adobe Illustrator, and so on. A few of the scripts also can output a custom JSON-based format of particle or shape descriptions which then can be further processed by related scripts or imported into 3D graphic software packages like Blender or CINEMA 4D for rendering.

The “How?” and The “Why?”

Usually to automatize generation of shapes or pattern for vector illustrations —which would be way too boring to create manually in Affinity Designer— the scripts start out with a quick visual idea and just a handful lines of quick code as proof of concept.

Once that's done crazy silliness starts by making every variable of the algorithm user-configurable via a CLI interface. The result: the scripts explode in code size exponentially. Not that this really makes a lot of sense or would revolutionize the world… it's simply fun stuff done for recreation. So here we are! 😅

Script Overview

Comitl

Comitl concentrically arranges randomly sized arcs into a pretty disc shape. Output is generated as a set of vector shapes in Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) format and printed on the standard output stream. Comitl also supports SVG animations, optional PNG output (with cairosvg), and has countless of parameters for configuration of the generated shape.

Direct Download | Documentation

Altepetl

Altepetl implements an artful grid-based layout of "U"-shapes; inspired by some of generative art pioneer Véra Molnar's artworks. Output is generated as a set of vector shapes in Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) format and printed on the standard output stream. Altepetl also supports optional PNG output (with cairosvg), and has a handful of parameters for configuration of the generated artwork.

Direct Download | Documentation

Atlatl

coming soon.

Xonacatl

coming soon.

Acahualli

coming soon.

Ohtli

coming soon.

Temo

Temo creates a colorful maze inspired by a famous one line C64 BASIC program (10 PRINT CHR$(205.5+RND(1)); : GOTO 10). Output is generated as a set of vector shapes in Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) format and printed on the standard output stream. Temo also supports optional PNG output (with cairosvg), and has a handful of parameters for configuration of the generated artwork.

Direct Download | Documentation

Teocuitlatl

Creates a grid of colored squares that are accentuated with smaller squares or discs inspired by works of Victor Vasarely. Additional color palettes of works of other op-art artists including Bridget Riley and Ellsworth Kelly are included for further experimentation with the theme. Output is generated as a set of vector shapes in Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) format and printed on the standard output stream. Teocuitlatl also supports optional PNG output (with cairosvg), and has a handful of parameters for configuration of the generated artwork.

Direct Download | Documentation

Copyright and License

Copyright © 2019-2021 Christian Rosentreter (https://www.binaryriot.org/)

All scripts are free software: you can redistribute them and/or modify them under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or (at your option) any later version.