M()N()print - N8 “Block Heads”

Monoprinting is a printmaking method intended to make unique prints, exploring an image serially. A common type of monoprinting is called a monotype, in which a non-absorbent matrix is drawn or painted on, then transferred to a final surface such as paper. This printmaking process inspired M()N()print; a computational printmaking system built to generatively paint+print via matrix impression.

The M()N()print system started with a dataset (colour field/geometric reference images) produced by machine learning models that act as the initial pigments to prime the system.

M()N()print scans the dataset, makes a randomized selection of pixels/pigments based on a set of rules, and then prints these on top of the previous layer. Next, the system moves and distorts these pixel-based pigments, interacting with the previous layer in a distinct manner before finalizing the print; and moving on to the next layer.

During December 2022, the system was run daily, with the rules controlling the print process manually fine-tuned by the artist. During this period the output of the system evolved and was fed back into the dataset overwriting the original images. The newly printed layers now become the reference pigments and catalyst for the subsequent layers. Over time a divergent aesthetic emerged as each printed layer influenced the reference images producing a visual model. A decision to halt the overwriting of the dataset concluded the development of the generative model.

Over the course of two days in January 2023, M()N()print used the new finalized model (dataset+rules) and ran continuously, producing 8,040 layers. A snapshot was archived for each layer before it was overwritten permanently.

From these 8,040 layers, a selection of 256 was curated by the artist to share with the public, showcasing a momentary slice from throughout the M()N()print process/performance. 

Collectors were invited to curate the series by acquiring a mint-pass ‘M()N()print Compressed’  (https://ipfs.io/ipfs/Qmct26cemfcM5T38UzVq3GqirS5gtWwwtM1rnmmnAP6wiv) which allowed the collector to choose one artwork to be tokenized as a 1/1, contributing to the 128 artworks to be released with the M()N()print algorithm/performance.

This work (N8) was selected by ‘S8S888S8S’ to be included in the M()N()print series.

JPG - 4096 x 4096 pixels | Ryan Thompson, January 2023