Less a drawing machine and more of a pathfinder, Tentacle’s smart algorithm has the ability to continually study the image under construction and guide a conditionally constrained contour to attempt abstracted gestural drawings. The adjustable controls driving this process are based on observations made by Tentacle’s creators and those made by renowned artists and art historians when creating and studying abstract compositions.
Tentacle expands upon conceptual ideas first introduced by Sol LeWitt in his scribble drawings by using a system that allows for varying combinations based on choices made for each iteration (within specified ranges). It is therefore not limited to producing mathematically derived or mimetic images, but also has the ability to truly approximate the aesthetic schema of automatic gestural abstractions.
Artists collaborating with Tentacle are able to make relatively simple adjustments to these controls, which provide a set of broad-based instructions, to generate an intricate spectrum of unique outcomes. Each set of instructions can, therefore, create a cohesive edition with varying images.
Tentacle can escape the screen to enter the real world. This video show’s the plotter’s pen carefully tracing the curves and contours, transforming the digital image into a tangible artwork. See the Gallery page for more examples of Tentacle’s physical and digital output.