Painting By Numbers
Fractals have a property of self-similarity. They are similar to themselves in different regions, and similar to themselves on different length scales, so an enlargement of part of a fractal looks similar to the whole fractal. Benoit Mandelbrot pointed out that many objects, including coastlines, have a fractal structure. The mathematics of fractals dates back to Gaston Julia, who was seriously injured during the First World War and completed much of his work while recovering in hospital. Computer-generated imagery (CGI) is widely used in the video game and film industries. One technique for generating images of virtual scenes is known as ray-tracing. Filmed footage can be combined with computer-generated imagery using a technique known as chroma key. One of the most creative examples of computer art is the beautiful panoramic video in Pursuit of Venus by Lisa Reihana.