Algorithmic lineages
Jon McCormack
Generative art, artificial life, evolutionary systems, and nature-inspired computational practice.
Context
Jon McCormack is an Australian artist and computing researcher, Professor jointly appointed at Monash Art Design & Architecture and Information Technology, and founder/director of SensiLab. Monash lists his research interests as generative art, evolutionary systems, artificial life, agent-based modelling, visualisation, and computer creativity. [1]
AIArtists describes his long-running concern with electronic “after natures” and documents works including Colourfield Lux, an artificial-life agent ecosystem, and The Unknowable, evolved virtual plant forms. [2]
“Wisdom of Nature” as framing
Here “wisdom of nature” is a contextual framing for McCormack’s practice, not a scientific claim that nature supplies a single algorithm or design answer. His work and related SensiLab research use generative, evolutionary, biological, and material processes as conditions for co-creation and inquiry. For example, SensiLab’s Generative Materiality project combines form-making algorithms, fabrication, and robotic gardening with biological material. [3]
Why it matters here. McCormack is a reference for systems that generate forms through rules, feedback, evolution, and environmental conditions while retaining a critical distinction between an organism, a model, and an artwork.