Overview and Concept
For the midterm I want to make a generative art system that explores the intersection of networks and organic motion. The core concept is based on The Neural Kingdom: a simulation of synaptic connectivity where autonomous “cells” traverse a digital petri dish, leaving behind a complex web of connections.
The design goal was to create a system that feels “alive” rather than programmed. Instead of drawing shapes directly, I designed a set of biological rules—movement, proximity, and reproduction—and allowed the artwork to emerge from the interaction of these rules over time. The result is a series of intricate structures that resemble neural pathways.
The generator also allows cycling between different color modes by pressing ‘c’ and saves a png with ‘s’
The Technical Logic
The system is built on three primary programming pillars:
Autonomous Agents: Each cell is an object with its own mass, velocity, and “personality” (a unique noise seed). To simulate chemotaxis (movement in response to chemical gradients), I used Perlin Noise. This ensures the cells move in smooth, curving paths rather than random lines.
Proximity-Based Synapses: The “art” is generated by the space between the movers. Every frame, each cell looks for neighbors within a radius. If another cell is close enough, a line is drawn between them. I mapped the transparency of these lines to the distance, creating a sense of three-dimensional depth and tension.
Mitosis Growth Simulation: Rather than filling the screen at once, the sketch begins with a small “seed” cluster. New cells are added to the system via a mitosis timer, spawning near existing parent cells. This allows the colony to expand organically from a central core.
Current Milestone
Future Improvements:
I want to allow for different drawing modes by allowing the user to click different numbers. I also the user to be able to influence the art by interfering with external forces. This could also help with the issue of the movers not covering huge parts of the sketch, which I also intend to fix.