Thursday, 13 November 2025 Exhibition Invitation: From Mathematical Calculations and Software Algorithms to a Work of Art
Did you know that with the right knowledge of mathematics and information technology, you can draw a picture? Yes, you read that correctly. Information technology offers numerous creative possibilities. With the support of software algorithms, which the user refines with mathematical calculations, a unique visual image can be created.
On Monday, November 17, 2025, at 12 noon, the University of Primorska will open an exhibition of computer-generated works by Bogdan Soban as part of his personal project "Reflections of Time," which he is dedicating to the European Capital of Culture.
With the slogan "Let's bring art closer to people, art is for everyone, not just for the chosen few" and an accompanying lecture for students, employees, and the general public, the artist wants to show a special, unconventional approach to creating images. The lecture will be held in Slovenian in the lobby of the Armerija after the opening of the exhibition.
The exhibition will be on display in the lobby of the Armerija Palace of the University of Primorska at Tito Square 4 in Koper every working day between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. until Thursday, December 4, 2025.
About the author: BOGDAN SOBAN
Bogdan Soban (1949), a graduate mechanical engineer, switched to the field of computer science after graduation. As an expert in computing and programming, he began developing a project in his spare time with the aim of exploring the creative possibilities of computers. He developed a series of computer programs that use mathematical algorithms to create abstract images on the screen. He often presents his project in the form of art exhibitions, projections, lectures, and workshops, as well as at international conferences and online presentations. Bogdan Soban has already collaborated with the University of Primorska and its members: in 2018 with a lecture as part of the series Excursions into Mathematical Space at the Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies of the University of Primorska, in 2021 with an independent exhibition of mathematical art at the European Mathematical Congress, which took place in Portorož under the auspices of the University of Primorska, and this August in the charity project "Postcards of Kindness" with Dr. Danijela Horvat Samardžija from the Faculty of Education at the University of Primorska.
About the exhibition: REFLECTIONS OF TIME
Although mathematics is considered a relatively unknown approach in art, it has characteristics that distinguish it from more conventional methods of creation. One of these is creation with the help of computer programs. "Such images would be difficult to paint by hand, so we use various software programs to help us in our creative process. The first condition for an image to be considered mathematical art is therefore that as many mathematical laws as possible are built into the software. In addition, the image must give the impression of being mathematical in origin, and last but not least, the works must also comply with the basic concepts of visual art in terms of color harmony, composition, and structure," explained Soban.
The author dedicates the exhibition to the European Capital of Culture.
(*from an article, published in Primorske novice)
About the lecture: GENERATIVE ART – HOW A COMPUTER CREATES ARTWORK
Duration: estimated 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: lobby of the Armerija Palace, University of Primorska
Author Bogdan Soban, who has been exploring the creative possibilities of information technology in the field of visual arts for four decades, will present his project, for which he developed the software himself using the VISUAL BASIC programming language. Supported by software algorithms refined with mathematical calculations, his programs create ever new and unique visual images.
In the first part, he will present several methodological approaches, such as the algorithmic approach, travelling into the third dimension of an image, the use of small geometric elements, deformation algorithms, drawing symmetrical shapes, the principle of a floating point, experiments with figurative art, and more. All presentations will take place live in front of the audience.
He will then focus on a more detailed presentation of the algorithmic approach, where attendees will have the opportunity to see how simple formulas create complex images in different coordinate planes (Cartesian, polar, and complex) and some of his innovative solutions.
The lecture will be understandable not only to computer scientists and mathematicians, but to anyone who still remembers high school mathematics.
