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February 09, 2006, 02:07 PM ET
Algorithmic Expressionism
A physicist studying fractal geometry has emerged, surprisingly, as a key figure in a dispute over the authenticity of two dozen paintings purportedly by Jackson Pollock.
The works, discovered in 2003, bear a striking similarity to Pollock's famous drip paintings -- so much so, in fact, that their owner, Alex Matter, is planning a major exhibition of them as largely unseen works by the influential artist. Some Pollock experts who have viewed the paintings have concluded that the works are authentic.
But others are less than convinced, including Richard P. Taylor, a professor of physics at the University of Oregon. Using software that analyzes fractal geometry, a study of recurring patterns at high magnification, he compared six of the works with 14 paintings known to be real Pollocks. The computer program, according to Mr. Taylor, found a method in Pollock's madness -- a consistent set of paint-drip patterns that were noticeably absent from the unauthenticated works. The study can't prove that Pollock didn't create the paintings, but the critics say it's worth taking into account. (The New York Times)
Categories: Research
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