ArtWonk 4.1.1616

Created by Algorithmic Arts’ software developer John Dunn, ArtWonk is an application that weighs in at some 10MB. Downloading the application will not take long if you’re on a high-speed internet connection. If you have to contend with a less than spectacular internet connection, it may take a while.

Now once the download completes, you’ll be glad to know that the installation process goes smoothly and swiftly. You’ll also be glad to know that you can install ArtWonk on pretty much any version of the Microsoft developed Windows operating system. This includes the now old Windows XP, the Windows Vista operating system, and the latest and greatest, Windows 7. You should also know that ArtWonk works on 32-bit as well as 64-bit versions of Vista.

What can you do with ArtWonk after you downloaded and installed the application on your Windows-powered computer? You can use the application to produce MIDI music and animation based on algorithmic processes. You compose by connecting "modules" graphical objects that represent functions and processes, adjusting the parameters as you go. ArtWonk provides a drag and drop environment that has been created with ease of use in mind.

You can use anything as source material. Fractals, DNA, EEGs, EKGs, stock quotes, anything you want can be used as source material in ArtWonk.

ArtWonk is not freeware. You can use the software free of charge only during a 30-day trial period. Once that period is up, you have to pay for a license to keep using the application. You can get a full feature 30-day temp key for only $1 if you want. It should be mentioned that the trial version is limited – you cannot save modules. It should also be mentioned that the trial version can be used as a free player.

Pros

• Award-winning application
• Works with XP, Vista and Windows 7
• Produces music, visuals and wordplay based on generative algorithms you interactively create by connecting modules
• Use anything as source material
• 30-day temp license for $1

Cons

• Free to use only during the 30-day trial period

ArtWonk has been reviewed by George Norman on 04 May 2010. Based on the user interface, features and complexity, Findmysoft has rated ArtWonk 4 out of 5 stars, naming it Excellent