Emergence in Interactive Embedded Art

This article is devoted to the problem of novelty in embedded art. Exciting possibilities of microelectronics for visual art are considered. Implementations of available microcontrollers, sensors and actuators are given. A new kind of interactions between spectators and artworks with embedded electronics was investigated. Special attention is paid to the effect of emergence, which is generated by this interaction. Computational artwork is being considered in a new unconventional context. An aesthetic difference between the deterministic and nondeterministic algorithms was shown. The combination of acrylic paintings with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) was systematically studied to give useful recommendations for an artistic community. Produced artifacts were demonstrated at exhibitions and were used to teach students at the university and VHS Freiburg, Germany. The results showed a great public interest in embedded electronic systems and a tremendous theoretical and practical perspective for the permanently developing contemporary art.