2012 marks the centenary of the birth of Alan Turing, mathematician, logician, backroom hero of the Second World War and father of modern computing. As part of the centenary celebrations, the UPV/EHU Computer Faculty and Arteleku Art and Techology Laboratory are organising a workshop dedicated to exploring and researching the aesthetical opportunities of computer programs as the basic material.

By analysing the source code of a certain computer programme by means of another programme, its performance can be broken down into certain visual elements – or actions -, thus using this visual metaphor to embrace a Turing universal machine. This approach was used widely by different artists in many works of art throughout the 20th and 21st century. 

This first part of the workshop will involve an introduction to many works and applications that have used the inherent properties (repetition, modularity, parameterization) of computer programmes to create sound and visual elements.

During the ensuing practical session, the participants will produce simple visual compositions based on the real time performance of simple computer programs, using the Processing tool. 

The workshop is aimed at visual artists, computer programmes and/or enthusiasts. Basic programming knowledge is essential to take part in the workshop.