Generator: The Dialectics of Orderly Disorder

As complexity theory has demonstrated in correlation with dialectical thinking, the relationship between order and disorder does not lie simply in their opposition. This paper proposes that generative artworks have a useful analogical relation to the way computer systems (and systems in general) operate and the ways in which artist-programmers might interfere with these operations. This principle of the correlation of dialectical and generative processes will be demonstrated by referring to the exhibition Generator (Spacex Gallery, May-June 2002, and touring in the UK) and in particular by referring to two works: ordure::real-time by Stuart Brisley & Adrian Ward; and forkbomb.pl by Alex McLean. Despite the appearance of order, Generator suggests that disorder is just below the surface and this is where change can be found and prompted.