Aleatoricism
Aleatoricism is the incorporation of chance into the process of creation, especially the creation of art or media. The word derives from the Latin word alea, the rolling of dice. It should not be confused with either improvisation or indeterminacy. When an element of uncertainty is intentionally incorporated into the concept and creation of a work of art it is referred to as “aleatoric art.”
We’ve had one post dealing with the subconscious guiding the artist, now I’d like to address the idea of the artist incorporating chance into the work. The two are not the same thing, one is a sub conscious level of understanding and expression, the other is where the artist sets up a means to capture the random. My only issue with this is that it takes the artist to set up the situation in most cases, for the random to be recorded, and in this case that means there is something purposeful in the overall idea, regardless if the process is random in its application. How could an artist use this form to express an idea? What idea is presented if this means is used by the artist in their art? Think about the types of materials that could be used and how they would be applied. Each variable changes the expression, the statement being made. Is there legitimacy behind this method of art making, allowing for pure chance to be the creation? Answer these questions and what you think about it, but also, try doing this in your sketchbook. Once you’ve tried it in your sketchbook, then comment. If you think you can do something of value with this method, I’ll give a letter grade up on a 7% or less assignment if you do this for extra credit on an 18x24 in piece of paper or larger and exhibit it to the class. Talk about its expression and meaning.