View the interactive sketch on p5.js
This interactive work draws inspiration from Jackson Pollock’s abstract
expressionism, particularly the gestural freedom and spontaneity that
define his drip painting technique. Referencing Number 1A, 1948, the
program invites users to explore similar principles through generative
code. Color palettes are sampled directly from the original canvas,
preserving the distinctive aesthetic while translating it into a digital
context.
Each arrow key press triggers a paint drip from the mouse, echoing the
physical motion and unpredictability of Pollock’s process. The resulting
patterns vary with each interaction, allowing for an open-ended
composition that reflects the viewer’s input. Rather than reproducing
Pollock’s work, the piece creates space for users to engage with his
approach—emphasizing motion, chance, and instinct within a programmable
medium. The screen becomes a site of improvisation, where each user
generates a unique expression informed by historical reference.