Google-driven pattern making

Anthropocene by David Thomas Smith (Copper House Gallery, March 21st – April 16th, 2013, Dublin, Ireland). Fascinating new exhibit by artist utilizing aerial images found online. Each image is composed from thousands of thumbnails extracted as screen grabs from Google Maps, which are then reconstructed piece by piece using Photoshop to produce large detailed and patterned images. The artist draws upon the patterns and motifs used by Persian carpet makers, inspired by the weaver’s use of the carpet to record their experiences. A complicated, compelling use of color, pattern and place…