Fractal

A geometric pattern that is repeated at ever smaller scales to produce irregular shapes and/or surfaces that cannot be represented by classical geometry. Every part at every scale of a fractal mirrors the whole.Discovered in the pursuit of chaos theory in the late twentieth century, fractals are used especially in computer modeling of irregular patterns and structures in nature.Fractals are considered the tenth class of patterns.Examples:Tim Hawkinson (American, 1960-), Untitled, 2003, photomontage of unique digital photographs on foamcore on panel, 68 x 117 inches, collection of Martin and Rebecca Eisenberg. Hawkinson has used his own body as the subject of an image comparable to a fractal. See body art.Other resources about fractals: Fractal-Art-Gallery ? Fractal Digitalism. Unusual fractals with nonstandard algorithms for unusual characters by Manfred W. Rupp. Also see pattern, tessellation, and tile.