Optimal construction of montages from mathematical functions on a spectrum of order–disorder preference

Abstract

We previously generated diverse mathematical functions that are difficult for optimization algorithms. Represented as 2D contour plots, each image depicts a ‘blue river’ running through an intricate landscape. This paper describes the challenge of constructing an aesthetic montage of these images. A survey revealed a spectrum of tastes, divergent in preference from order to disorder, considering the structure created by connecting these ‘blue rivers’. A new artwork, Negentropy Triptych, was created to depict this spectrum by manually swapping images from a random arrangement, guided by human eye to enhance or destroy the structure. An optimization algorithm automates the process, with the re..