Mazemania

Official link -> Mazemania on Highlight.xyz
Minted out. 1780 algorithmically generated pieces

Bits of algorithmic mazes with a visual twist.

Mazemania

Algorithmically generated maze-like patterns, presented as immersive isometric landscapes.

Additional visual elements have been incorporated to create surreal effects, including impossible geometries and an illusion of three-dimensional depth.

My very personal approach to Optical Art through a long-form generative collection.

Mint details

Official link: https://highlight.xyz

Price: Free + 0.0008 ETH mint fee.

Edition size: Open Edition until October 31

Mint a batch of 25 to get the full set of 24 palettes + Golden Ticket

Interaction

In fullscreen mode:
Press ‘S’ key to download a hi-res image.

Change aspect ratio pressing keys:

• ‘1’ -> 1 : 1618 , Golden ratio, the default ratio.
• ‘2’-> 1 : 1.5 , fits in most standard frames.
• ‘3’-> 1:1 , Square.
• ‘4’-> 4:3 , Many old fashioned screens.
• ‘5’-> 16:9, fullscreen, wallpapers.
• ‘6’-> 3:1 , banners for most social networks or websites
• ‘7’ -> Responsive, the canvas will adapt to any screen size.

Motivation

Mazemania arises from a series of experiments trying to achieve optical illusions or impossible geometries, in the purest optical art (Op Art) style of Escher, Omar Rayo, Edna Andrade, etc.

More info about Op Art in Wikiart

Concept

For a generative collection, the base pattern should allow for a wide range of visual variations while maintaining coherence as well as the element of surprise and variety.

The visual element chosen for this is the labyrinth. There is a great diversity of algorithmic maze generators.

These algorithms can be customized and ‘tweaked’ almost infinitely.

Therefore, Mazemania becomes my approach to Op Art through the creation of labyrinths. The next steps will consist of creating the maze generator and taking care of the visual elements to achieve the desired meaning and effect.

These images show the initial stage where the concept is explored and the foundations of the algorithm that will govern the final composition are laid.

Aesthetics

As I said before, visually I seek an abstract approach to Optical Art.

Stylized lines, basic geometry, absence of textures or figurative elements. The strength of the image must reside in the beauty of the labyrinth itself.

Turning Isometric

The entire structure is rendered in isometric perspective. This is essential to create three-dimensional vision and will allow creating optical illusions or false geometry.

As an example, one of the first renders that define the final aesthetic of the work.

At this point, the foundation for the final render is already laid.

Loops and links

In Mazemania there are 2 notable elements that enhance the optical illusion effect. The loops and links.

The loops appear randomly (sometimes more, sometimes less) and close some dead ends of the maze. This can sometimes result in impossible structures when we try to understand them as a three-dimensional object.

Links appear under certain conditions and connect parts of the maze. This can break the logic of the 3D structure.

Cropping and Framing

For the final render, the central section of the maze is cropped and framed, covering the entire space of the canvas. Giving the appearance of a letter, poster or a page from an illustration book.

Palettes

One of the key elements in Mazemania is color.

24 palettes of 2 and 3 colors have been developed to color each piece. Saturated colors, with a certain pop-art appearance to feed the feeling of joy and fun that this collection aims to convey.

Labyrinths are something we like to play with, enjoy their details and explore their intricate paths with our eyes.

Mosaic with the 24 palettes:

The Golden Ticket

In addition to the 24 palettes, a special color mode has been created: The golden ticket.

A rare variation that can appear if you are really lucky or if you buy a lot of 25 pieces in a single transaction.

This special piece adds extra value for the collector who wants to make his collection stand out from the rest.

Final words

Mazemania reflects my way of approaching Optical Art. I have always been fascinated by impossible geometries and the procedural generation of intricate geometric patterns.

It is not the first time that I have worked with algorithms to generate labyrinths, but it is the first time that from an artistic point of view, the aesthetics, variety and sensations transmitted have guided the process of creating the work.

Countless iterations, modifying small parameters, reinventing techniques to achieve something truly original, have concluded in this collection that I hope raises a smile on the viewer’s face and makes them enjoy the wonderful world of Optical Art through algorithms and mazes.

Have fun!

Fernando