Just zoom in or zoom out and all perspective changes. Like real life.

Generated entirely with programming code in Processing, this piece is about creating a complex and ever-changing pattern by starting with a simple set of rules. The concept is derived from the amazing Cellular Automata theory, to which I've added my own spin. Just zoom in and see the astonishing fractal nature and self-organizing behavior of these "cells".

Cellular Automata are systems where simple rules governing cell behavior lead to complex overall behavior.

Despite their simplicity, Cellular Automata are capable of producing a great variety of complex behaviors, ranging from simple patterns that repeat indefinitely to chaotic behaviors that appear random.

An example of a one-dimensional cellular automaton with three cells: the left and right cells are "alive" (white), and the middle cell is "dead" (black). The rule for this automaton is that if a cell is alive and has two alive neighbors, it will stay alive. Otherwise, it will die.

3000 x 3000 PNG file