Bridging Digital and Traditional Art

Artist A. Rothaug’s work blurs the boundary between computer-generated art and traditional craftsmanship, creating a seamless fusion of digital technology and physical artistry.

Using minimalist shapes like lines and dots, primarily in black and white, he designs intricate compositions through custom algorithms that he personally develops. While the computer generates an array of patterns, it functions merely as another tool in the creative pipeline—much like a brush for a painter. Crucially, Rothaug’s role in crafting the algorithms allows him to control both the digital and physical aspects of his work. After the graphics are printed, some are meticulously retraced by hand, reinforcing the craftsmanship behind each piece. Rothaug’s pieces are then sandwiched between layers of plexiglass, creating stunning three-dimensional artworks. This layering technique adds depth and plays with light and shadow, making the flat, minimalist shapes come alive with movement and dimension. The result is a captivating interplay of digital precision and manual refinement, where modern technology and traditional methods converge into striking, tangible forms.

Expanding into Video Art

Rothaug’s artistic process doesn’t stop at physical objects. Some of his works also exist as video art, extending the foundational role of his software into dynamic and fluid expressions. These pieces scale up to large video walls or media facades, transforming entire buildings and public spaces into immersive, interactive canvases. In these public formats, the interplay of light, form, and movement takes on new meaning, merging architecture with art to create captivating installations.

The Full Circle of Creation

From the initial design of the algorithms to dynamic video displays and tactile plexiglass pieces, Rothaug’s work completes a full circle of digital-to-physical creation. Each artwork captures a specific moment in time—an abstract expression of his algorithms—frozen in form. These pieces, whether exhibited in grand public settings or in intimate personal collections, offer a timeless beauty designed to be appreciated for years to come. By uniting the ephemeral nature of digital art with the enduring presence of physical objects, Rothaug’s works transcend boundaries, pushing the limits of what art can be.

A Poetic Exploration of Art

His approach is particularly fascinating because it bridges the gap between the digital and physical worlds, making technology feel tangible and personal. The combination of custom algorithms with a process of human selection and craftsmanship adds a deeply poetic element to his work. Rothaug’s ability to shift from physical pieces to large-scale public installations makes his art both dynamic and accessible on multiple levels. His creations—whether digital or physical—capture moments that endure, blending cutting-edge technology with age-old craftsmanship, challenging traditional notions of what we consider art.

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