A collection of 129 curated generative animations inspired by retro video games, classical painting, dreams and early GAN, inscribed on Bitcoin.

Phantasmagoria, sample output, long-form generative infinite animation, 2023, dimensions variable

If machines had dreams… — is a well-known concept introduced by Philip K. Dick.

The collection refers to the subject of dreaming and image creation. The inspiration comes from the way classical painting masters captured light and early video games displayed colors and textures. Some outputs can also remind an early GAN image creation with blending shapes and colors only vaguely reminding known reality.


Algorithm is strongly inspired by digital imaging technology.

First layer is based on RGB channels mixing techniques. There’s a digital universe created with orbiting planets and satellites that are never seen by the viewer.

Second layer takes that universe and enriches it with a natural noise function, causing several levels of distortion. The underlying universe remains invisible and indistinguishable. It has already become something else, a kind of dreamy output, a fantasy, a phantasmagoria.

The outcome is a semi-pixelated animation with organic movement. At times, viewers may start to see the technical aspect of movement, while in other instances, it appears more natural.

Phantasmagoria, sample output, long-form generative infinite animation, 2023, dimensions variable

Examples

Technical specs:

  • infinite long-form generative animation
  • resolution agnostic
  • HTML: VanillaJS + WebGL
  • 431 B + (recursive) 9 775 B
  • Phantasmagoria #0 – a vintage sat from 2009, full code (no recursion), 10 064 B

Interaction

Below is a live script.

[LMB] – click to play
[S] – to save PNG; add ?multiplier=N to the URL, where N is the multiplier value
console – check console for traits table

CLICK HERE TO VIEW SCRIPT IN A NEW WINDOW

Drop coming soon!
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