Decomposition

This work explores the reverse of superimposition. A photograph has been algorithmically decomposed into five different images with styles akin to Impressionist paintings. Summing (literally sum the pixels’ RGB values) the first five images yields the sixth image. The decomposition algorithm is constructed upon a technique called topological sparse coding. For each of the first five images, a distinct set of features (texture, color, etc.) is chosen to achieve a unique look. These styles are united in the sense that five of them sum to a realistic image.

Below is a video generated by mapping MIDI notes to individual image features. The music is Debussy’s Hommage à Rameau (Credit: http://www.kunstderfuge.com/, Ampico (live) recording, Piano: Walter Gieseking.) The idea is to create an impressionist painting style that flows with the music.