What kind of program is CYBART?


It may be difficult to place this program in an established category.  We 
call it, somewhat whimsically, "The Cybernated Artist" which conveys the 
idea of a simulated artist's mind creating paintings on the screen. 

But CYBART differs from the usual fare of the computer art movement.  It 
offers not a limited number of images previously crafted with the help of 
a computer, but rather a virtually endless variety of new, fresh paintings 
created as you watch.  It also differs from fractal-based programs in that 
it's not using art as an expression of interesting mathematics.  It uses 
mathematics as a medium with which to make pleasing art. 

Neither are these the dancing curves or strutting images commonly seen in 
screensavers.  Rather, a good deal of artistic principle underlies their 
construction.  They appear to be true works of art, and some appear to be 
quite good. 

Because there are so few examples of this genre well enough done to merit 
much notice, we suspect that no name for it exists.  Therefore, may we 
suggest that the category be called "artware" if that name has not already 
been appropriated.  (A good and successful example of what we would call 
artware is "DAZZLE" by MicroTronics.) 

Perhaps the greatest value of CYBART in the commercial world is its fine 
appearance on SVGA hardware.  Based on our testing in computer retail 
stores, we expect it to be extensively used for showing off good monitors 
and SVGA cards.  To further exploit such avenues, CYBART is equipped to 
carry text messages which are presented along with the art.  This opens up 
all kinds of applications where a message is to be delivered in an 
attractive form. 

As a piece of personal software, CYBART falls into a real "entertainment 
gap".  Game programs which demand effort and concentration abound.  But in 
that, they're similar to serious applications.  Other than by turning it 
off, the average computer won't help you relax because it has no software 
designed for that purpose.  The popularity of screensavers that give you 
something to watch attest to this need.  CYBART may be more interesting, 
and at the same time more relaxing and enjoyable than anything else 
available.  We expect that it's only the beginning of "artware". 


-- Flying Turtle Software