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This gallery presents a curated collection of 1D Cellular Automata computed over time shown as 2D images. I have curated this collection over a period of several weeks, examining thousands of renders, each generated with different rule numbers, color palettes, and initial conditions.

Most cellular automata produce patterns that are, frankly, quite unremarkable. Simple repetitive structures, uniform blocks, or chaotic noise dominate the vast majority of rule spaces. This gallery exists to showcase the extremely intricate and beautiful patterns that can emerge from simple rules. I am exploring ways to automate the process of finding aesthetically pleasing patterns but it's a very tough task.

I experimented extensively with different color palettes. The same rule can look completely different depending on the colors used—some palettes reveal hidden structures, while others obscure interesting patterns. The 92 images in this gallery represent the best of what emerged from this extensive exploration.

I evaluated each CA not just for its visual appeal, but for its uniqueness, complexity, and the presence of interesting emergent structures. My goal was to create a collection that showcases the diversity and beauty possible within the realm of 1D cellular automata.

To help identify potentially interesting cellular automata, I employed methods from complexodynamics—a field that studies the complexity and dynamics of complex systems. My goal was to algorithmically quantify whether a CA would be interesting or not, filtering out the vast majority of uninteresting patterns before manual review.

These algorithmic methods analyze various properties of the generated patterns:

• Structural Complexity: Measuring the diversity of patterns and structures
• Information Content: Analyzing the entropy and information density
• Emergent Properties: Detecting interesting behaviors like self-organization
• Visual Coherence: Evaluating aesthetic qualities and visual appeal

While these methods helped narrow down the search space, the final selection still required human judgment. The algorithms could identify potentially interesting patterns, but determining which ones were truly exceptional—which ones had that special quality that makes you stop and stare—required the human eye.

Among the 92 curated patterns, several stand out for their particularly striking or unusual characteristics:

• The Lady: A pattern that remarkably resembles a human figure, with elegant curves and a distinct silhouette
• A Demi-God: An imposing pattern with a powerful, almost divine presence
• Alien-Like Faces: Multiple patterns that evoke extraterrestrial visages, with strange symmetries and otherworldly features
• Convoluted Spiders: Intricate web-like structures that branch and weave in fascinating ways
• And countless other patterns, each with its own unique character and visual story

These patterns demonstrate the incredible diversity that can emerge from simple rules. What starts as a basic mathematical system evolves into complex, beautiful, and sometimes eerily recognizable forms.

The Generate page puts the power of cellular automata creation directly in your hands. It's a comprehensive tool for exploring the vast space of 1D cellular automata, allowing you to experiment with different algorithms, rules, and parameters.

Features include:

• Multiple CA Types: Choose from Elementary (3-Color Totalistic), Interleaved (Dual Rule), k-Color Totalistic, or Continuous k-Color systems
• Flexible Parameters: Adjust grid width, rule numbers, color counts, and more
• Custom Initial Conditions: Set your own starting patterns or choose from presets
• 50+ Color Palettes: Select from a wide variety of color schemes, or randomize for unexpected results
• Real-Time Generation: Watch patterns evolve row by row as they're computed
• Export Options: Save your creations as PNG images, export configurations as JSON, or share via URL
• Continuous CA Support: Experiment with smooth, gradient-based automata using RBF or Shepard interpolation

Whether you're a mathematician exploring rule spaces, an artist seeking inspiration, or simply curious about what patterns might emerge, the Generate page provides the tools to create your own cellular automata art. You might discover the next remarkable pattern yourself.

This gallery represents countless hours of exploration, computation, and curation. Each image tells a story of mathematical beauty emerging from simple rules. I hope you find these patterns as fascinating and beautiful as I do.

Feel free to explore the Gallery to see all 92 curated patterns, or visit the Generate page to create your own cellular automata art.