The Virtual Ecosystem as Generative Electronic Art

This paper proposes four desirable attributes of processes to be applied in generative electronic art. By example, it then demonstrates that the virtual ecosystem in its entirety is a process with many of these desirable attributes. The paper contrasts this process with the use of cellular automata. It outlines a number of generative artworks with which the author has been involved that utilize the virtual ecosystem, and discusses their pros and cons in the context of generative art. The paper suggests means by which the application of the four desirable attributes may extend the creative possibilities for these works.