Erik Brisson develops processes for production of form, pattern, and texture, in pursuit of the mysterious at the intersection of art and mathematics.
Abstract images composed of mathematically defined shapes are created using computer programs written by the artist specifically for that purpose. Variations in the images are obtained by making changes to the algorithms and parameters in the computer code. Recent work has incorporated found images, juxtaposing contrasting color palettes, subject matter, and temporal contexts. The back-and-forth between tool creation and application gives rise to an exploration of new visual spaces and serendipitous surprises. The results are rendered as drawings, paintings, mixed media objects, or digital images. Some digital images are produced as unique pieces, others as limited editions. Digital prints are produced by Erik in the studio on Epson R2400, R7600, and P600 printers using archival inks and paper.
Erik currently lives in Portland, OR, working remotely as a Computational Geometry Lead. In the past his titles have included programmer, manager, associate director, research scientist, assistant professor, and CEO; in computational geometry and graphics, scientific visualization, virtual reality, computer-aided design, and computational neuroscience. He holds a B.S. in Mathematics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, an M.A. in Mathematics from the University of California, San Diego, and a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Washington, Seattle. (Resume here.)