ARTS 444: Interaction II (Computational Art)
Spring 2019
University of Illinois
3 hours

4-6:40pm
Monday/Wednesday
Room 225 ADB

Instructor:
Ben Grosser 
grosser@illinois.edu

Optional Textbook:
Getting Started with p5.js, by Lauren McCarthy, Casey Reas, and Ben Fry

Overview:

This course is about interaction in the context of cultural production, with an emphasis on the creation of digital—or, computational—artworks. Whereas in Interaction I we quickly surveyed a number of technologies, methods, and histories, with this class we will focus in depth on the history and practice of computational art. Technically, we’ll learn and work with the p5.js library and the JavaScript programming language as our primary toolkit. Students will develop a strong introductory understanding of computer programming concepts, and will use those skills to sketch out ideas and prototypes for new interactive art experiences, data visualizations, and more.

In contrast with Interaction I, this course is a studio class.  There will be few graded exercises. Instead each student will develop a series of computational artworks that adhere to a small set of assigned constraints. These constraints will help you narrow the focus of your work technically, but will leave plenty of room for broad conceptual experimentation. By the end of the semester you will be creating work that is worthy of inclusion in your portfolio, and you will feel comfortable continuing your own education in software-based art making.

To accomplish this level of proficiency, students will be expected to read, practice, and explore class concepts on their own time (in addition to in-class lab time). I will be with you along the way, guiding you on everything from logic to debugging, and from concept to critique. Programming can be a difficult way of making, especially when it’s brand new. You will make mistakes and you will get frustrated! But you will also enjoy the freedom that comes with a behind-the-scenes understanding of how our tools are made and how our media comes to life. This knowledge will serve you well as you move forward in your curriculum and career.