William Mapan’s artistic creations evoke organic forms that challenge viewers to question their origin. Far from the expected rigidity of computer-generated art, his works possess a sinuous fluidity and dynamic quality that seamlessly capture the essence of the analogue world through rhythm, color, and shape. Two notable series, “Dragons” (2021) and “Anticyclone” (2021), exemplify Mapan’s mastery in portraying texture, light, and color through code.
His solo exhibition and print release with Unit London, titled “Compute: Sinking Patterns,” embody the profound dialogue between human and machine evident in his art. Inspired by a childhood memory of a burst fountain pen, Mapan utilized Javascript to create a series of eight unique NFTs that replicated the indelible patterns of blue ink on paper. His experiments with physical materials, such as ink, have nurtured a deep sensitivity to the tangible world, which he seamlessly transfers into the digital realm, artfully bridging the gap between the two.
“Compute: Sinking Patterns” not only reflects Mapan’s personal memory but also encapsulates the essence of generative art. The uncontrolled marks from his burst fountain pen mirror the inherent randomness that lies at the core of generative art. Balancing the controllable and the unpredictable, Mapan sets the parameters and guides the algorithm, but ultimately allows the computer to complete the artwork. This delicate interplay between the organic and the systemic gives rise to thought-provoking masterpieces that intricately blend human and machine creativity, leaving viewers mesmerized by the indiscernible fusion of the two realms.