There is something intriguing to me about producing artwork that looks, feels, and appears to be the complete opposite of digital, challenging preconceptions about how art created with code is expected to look. It’s something that demonstrates both expertise and also a love for code so deep that one can push its limits, discover its unexpected possibilities, and revel in its ability to surprise. Melissa Wiederrecht is an artist, computer scientist, and expert in generative surface pattern design. I remember the first time I encountered a “Sudfah,” having no idea how it was made and no idea it was generative — all I knew was that I wanted to dive deep into its liquid curves and colors. Each calligraphic line becomes its own story and interacts differently while bleeding into rich pinks, greens, blues, and ambers. The way Melissa created the illusion of various levels of moisture in the spill puddles is remarkable. There’s a curious sense of peace in each output. “Sudfah” (Arabic for happy accident) was released on Art Blocks in June 2022. It comes from Wiederrecht’s multi-year endeavor to perfect a “good ink bleed with code,” her interest in Islamic art and calligraphy, and her intention of reminding us to find the surprising beauty in mistakes. It feels like this collection flowed straight out of her. It demonstrates a mastery of code, but channeled in a deeply personal direction. “Sudfah” is a breath of fresh air in long-form generative art and certainly a favorite collection of mine. — Ania Catherine, Operator