031

Authors:

 Bruton, Dean

Title:

 Grammatical views of artwork

Keywords:

 contingency, grammar, new media, art

Abstract:

 This paper explores the idea of a sense of grammar through examining some bodies of art work from a grammatical perspective. It concentrates on the views of grammars that relate to art by (a) expanding notions of a "sense of grammar" and (b) exploring its computational enframing. The shape grammar protocol and particular implementations of shape grammars are discussed in the work of some selected artists to illustrate the application of grammatical perspective in a formal way. Qualities of art that demonstrate a sense of "contingent grammar" are discussed in relation to aspects of derivation and formalisation.
Following the work of Lionel March, George Stiny, James Gips, and, Terry Knight on the application of shape grammars in art, (Knight 1980; Knight 1981; Knight 1981; Knight 1983; Knight 1983; Knight 1983; Knight 1988; Knight 1992; Knight 1993; Knight 1994; Knight 1996), I am particularly interested in what is "contingently grammatical" in art work-what is happening when people use rules: How do they go about formulating rules and how do they change them? What kinds of rules are contingently kept? What sorts of rules are contingently dropped out, especially in regard to new media imagery?
The intention is not to prove or disprove that art or design is grammatical. The intention is to look at these sites from a perspective of grammars, without denying that they can be looked at from other perspectives. Others might discuss the same set of sites in terms of politics, or other views that shed some interest or relevance.
Bruton, Dean d.bruton@unisa.edu.au University of South Australia Faculty of Art Architecture and Design http://www.unisa.edu.au/art/CompImg/Bruton_Dean/index.html Dean Bruton is an artist, subject coordinator and lecturer in Computer Imaging, South Australian School of Art. Responsible for Bachelor of Visual Art courses: Computer Imaging; Internet; Multimedia; Computer Installation and Computer 3D Modelling in the Faculty of Art, Architecture and Design. His degrees include a Master of Arts (Visual Arts Discipline), an Advanced Diploma in Teaching (Art), and a PhD in the area of computer-aided art and design at the Department of Architecture and Urban Design, University of Adelaide. His research interests in new media include 3D modelling, intranet development and grammars in art and design.