What Is Fractal Art?
Channel: Marco Adkins
Date: 2018-10-29

Fractals are complex and infinitely self-repeating patterns that are created through mathematical equations and iterative processes. They exhibit self-similarity, meaning that they look similar at different scales or magnifications. Fractals can be found in various natural phenomena, such as clouds, coastlines, plants, and even in the structure of our lungs and blood vessels.

In mathematics, fractals are generated by repeatedly applying a simple mathematical equation or algorithm to a set of points. As the process is repeated, intricate and detailed patterns emerge. These patterns continue to appear at smaller and smaller scales, creating an infinite level of detail.

Fractals have several notable properties:

Self-similarity: Fractals exhibit a repeating pattern at different levels of magnification. Zooming into a fractal reveals similar shapes and structures as the larger-scale view.

Complexity: Fractals can have intricate and highly detailed structures, often with a high level of complexity. The repetition of patterns at various scales contributes to their complexity.

Fractal Dimension: Fractals have a non-integer dimension, meaning they occupy a space that is greater than their topological dimension. This property helps to differentiate fractals from traditional geometric shapes.

Infinite Detail: Fractals possess an infinite level of detail. No matter how much you zoom in, the pattern keeps repeating, and new details emerge.

Fractals have gained significant interest and application in various fields, including mathematics, computer graphics, physics, biology, and art. They have inspired beautiful and visually captivating artwork and have been used in computer-generated imagery, digital design, and even in the study of complex natural phenomena.

Popular examples of fractals include the Mandelbrot set, Julia set, Sierpinski triangle, Koch snowflake, and Barnsley fern, among others. These fractals exhibit unique and mesmerizing patterns that showcase the beauty and complexity of mathematical structures found in nature and mathematics itself.