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Multifractal structure in nonrepresentational art
J R Mureika1, C C Dyer, G C Cupchik
1Department of Physics, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, California 90045-8227, USA. jmureika@lmu.edu
Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
|December 31, 2005
Summary
Multifractal analysis of abstract expressionist art reveals that "edge" patterns can distinguish artists within the same movement, unlike "blob" patterns. This suggests a potential model for visual discrimination in art.
Area of Science:
- Art analysis
- Computational aesthetics
- Fractal geometry
Background:
- Abstract expressionism is characterized by complex visual patterns.
- Quantitative methods are increasingly used to analyze artistic styles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To apply multifractal analysis to abstract expressionist artworks.
- To investigate if fractal dimensions can differentiate artists and art movements.
- To explore the potential of fractal analysis as a model for visual discrimination.
Main Methods:
- Multifractal analysis applied to color "blobs" and luminance "edges" in artworks.
- Fractal reconstruction techniques used to identify unique signatures.
Main Results:
- Multifractal analysis of "blobs" did not distinguish between artists of the same movement (multifractal spectrum 1.5-1.8).
- The "edge" analysis method successfully differentiated artists within the same movement.
- The "edge" method shows potential as a model for visual discrimination.
Conclusions:
- Luminance gradient analysis ("edges") offers a promising method for distinguishing artistic styles.
- Fractal analysis techniques can provide quantitative insights into art.
- Further research into fractal reconstruction may yield artist or movement-specific "fingerprints".