In our chat, "Pioneering Digital Expression in the '90s," from April 10, 2024, a panel of legends joins Le Random's ⁠Peter Bauman⁠, ⁠Conrad House and thefunnyguys⁠. They share their diverse perspectives on the 1990s as pioneers of an often overlooked decade. It's only overlooked because of its recency, as the impact the decade had can still be seen all around today, including AI and Internet-related art. The parallels between artists getting started on the Internet in the '90s and artists beginning with blockchain and AI today are stark. Enjoy one of Le Random's most enriching conversations yet.

Speakers include: Auriea Harvey, Joshua Davis, LIA, Scott Draves, Vuk Ćosić

Chapters 📖

[00:00:04]: Introduction to the Le Random discussion

[00:05:05]: Early experiences with net art in the 90s

[00:17:16]: Early programming experiences and Flash art

[00:27:27]: Creation of the Electric Sheep algorithm

[00:31:58]: Evolutionary art and machine learning influence

[00:44:02]: Personal connections and significance of local scenes

[00:49:21]: Impact of global audience on creative freedom

[00:56:56]: Use of Flash and freedom in artistic expression

[00:58:41]: Influence of avant-garde and personal creative journey

[00:59:45]: Reflections on early internet experiences and creativity

[01:01:12]: Introduction to Flash vs. Director

[01:02:42]: Transition to Flash for Design Intention

[01:04:06]: Benefits of Vector-Based Design in Flash

[01:06:38]: Evolution to Processing and Coding

[01:08:55]: Transition from Director to P5JS

[01:09:56]: Learning Different Programming Languages

[01:10:42]: Challenges of Shader Programming

[01:11:13]: Node-Based Programming Tools

[01:12:46]: Impact of Tools and Languages in Work

[01:15:16]: Reflections on the '90s Tech Community

The Le Random team met up to celebrate a year since our public launch.

thefunnyguys, Zack Taylor, Peter Bauman and Conrad House discuss:

-One year of LR: Our favorite collected pieces

• 36 Points by Sage Jensen & seeds of seeds by Entangled Others
• Polygona Nervosa by Golan Levin
• RGB Elementary Cellular Automaton #1 by ciphrd
• Mondrian by Herbert W. Franke

-One year of LR: Our favorite editorial pieces

• Demystifying Generative Aesthetics by Peter
• Demystifying Generative Art by Peter
• AGH on Glorifying the Computer by Peter
• Il(Lumina)ting Marfa by Nathaniel Stern
• Zach Lieberman on the Resonance of Generative Art by Peter

-One year of LR: Our favorite moments

-Our current thoughts on the market

-Questions from the audience

In our chat, "Pioneers of '80s Art & Innovation," from February 7, 2024, a panel of icons joins Peter Bauman and Conrad House. They share their diverse perspectives on the 1980s in digital and generative art, reflecting the decade's richness and complexity.

Speakers include: Mark Wilson, Copper Giloth, Dan Sandin, David Em, William Latham, Stephen Todd, Darcy Gerbarg + Geoff Davis

Chapters 📖

[00:00:00]: Introduction

[00:01:55]: The Decade of the 80s

[00:02:30]: Darcy Gerbarg's Experience

[00:06:36]: Copper Giloth's Pioneering Work

[00:09:04]: Mark Wilson's Journey

[00:14:53]: David Em's Early Encounters

[00:20:50]: William Latham's IBM Fellowship

[00:24:50]: Stephen Todd's Collaboration with William

[01:00:02]: Early experiences with personal computers

[01:01:13]: Transition to personal computers for artists

[01:03:01]: Evolution of personal computers in the 80s

[01:04:22]: Giloth on gender bias in the '80s art world

[01:06:21]: Giloth on computer graphics & the portrayal of women's bodies

[01:08:38]: Expansion of artist community in the '80s

[01:10:19]: Generative art and its evolution

[01:13:47]: Creativity & the Chicago video game industry

[01:17:05]: Influence of Silicon Graphics on commercial graphics