Evolving Art: Modifying Context Free Art with a Genetic Algorithm

• Main Author: Kent, Marina
• Format: Others
• Published: Scholarship @ Claremont 2017
• Subjects: Genetic Algorithm; Genetic Programming; Computer Science; Context Free Art; Context Free Design Grammar; Graphics and Human Computer Interfaces
• Online Access: http://scholarship.claremont.edu/scripps_theses/1033; http://scholarship.claremont.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2067&context=scripps_theses

Context Free Design Grammar (CFDG) is a programming language for defining recursive structures that can be used to create art. I use CFDG as a design space for genetic programming, experimenting with various options for crossover, mutation, and fitness. In this exploratory work, multiple generations are manually assessed to determine the usefulness of the mutation strategies and fitness functions. I find that simple value mutation and fitness that alters general program structure is not enough to produce an increase of interesting images in CFDG. I discuss these findings as well as future avenues of inquiry for genetic programming in artistic domains.