A Cognitive Evaluation of a Computer System for Generating Mondrian-Like Artwork

Abstract

In this paper we present a computer system based on the notion of evolutionary algorithms that. Without human intervention. generates artwork in the style of the Dutch painter Piet Mondrian. Several implementation-related decisions that have to be made in order to program such a system are then discussed. The most important issue that has to be considered when implementing this type of system is the subroutine for evaluating the multiple potential artworks generated by the evolutionary algorithm, and our method is discussed in detail. We then present the set-up and results of a cognitive experiment that we performed in order to validate the way we implemented our evaluation subroutine, showing that it makes sense. Finally, we discuss our results in relation to other research into the computer generation of artwork that fits particular styles existing in the real world.