Randomism is the 21st century art movement utilizing random generators. The generators are used to produce a string of words that are then used by artists in their work. The artist chooses their method of random, from the complexity of a software program to the simplicity of a dictionary, and then interprets the words in an intuitive and natural process. The mechanism for randomness does not replace the creativity of the artists, however it is considered more than just another tool. Randomism is the addition of chaos to art, liberating the process. The artists can create under the freedom of zero accountability for the reactions their art invokes.
Conception
editRandomism was conceived by Bay Area artist Richard Allinson as a response to the stifling political correctness of the media in conjunction with the tragic events occurring globally. Combining his skills with programming and his artistry, Allinson created a random generator that would pull words from online dictionaries. He then strung these words together into incoherent sentences. These sentences served as inspiration for his art pieces. Pulling words from a dictionary is a well-used tactic. However, Randomism is unique in its purpose. uxtaposed with the modern climate of fear and propriety, the work can seem jarring and confusing to viewers, and even to the artists themselves. There is no greater meaning to the words or the creation that comes from them. There is no sense or logic. This contrasts directly with the application of computer softwares to generate the words.
Artists
editRichard Allinson
edit Richard Allinson produced a book of poetry utilizing Randomism in 2013. The book is titled I Am So Happy Rig$T, in keeping with the anarchist and anti-capatilst views of Randomists. He has also created several art pieces that drew from random generators.