Genetic Art All life is based on a genetic code stored in DNA. This DNA is like a "recipe" that tells the organism's proteins how to build individual cells. Even though there are many different kinds of cells, each cell contains the same copy of the organism's DNA. Keeping this idea in mind, we can use a simplified genetic code, but instead of generating organisms we can generate art. Each of the images you see in this project is based on a genetic code, which is represented by a function. Each pixel in the image has an (x,y) coordinate, which we plug into the function to get a value; this value can then be applied to a colormap to find a color value for that pixel. Even though the function might look quite simple, the resulting image is sometimes quite complex. A function can be altered by randomly changing bits of it around, and the resulting new image is called a mutation of the previous one. Additionally, two images can be crossed over to create new images. To use this project, simply click on the images that look interesting. The first images you see are all random; click on the most interesting image and then it will load in the upper left corner and the rest will be mutations of it. To cross two images together, select two checkboxes; the page should reload automatically. Click on "random" to start with a new set of images, or click on "best" to see some of the best images generated so far. You can also change the colormap by choosing a new one from the drop down box. If an image looks interesting and you would like to look at it closer, click on the magnifying glass in the upper right corner. This is a research project designed by Kennon Ballou. Please have fun, and feedback would be greatly appreciated. Enjoy! random  best