This book presents a comprehensive and unexpected approach to the visual arts, grounded in the theories of complexity and dynamical systems. Paul van Geert shows how complexity and dynamical systems theories, originally developed in mathematics and physics, offer a novel perspective through which to view the visual arts. Diverse aspects of visual arts as a practice, profession, and historical framework are covered. A key focus lies in the unique characteristics of complex systems: feedback loops bridging short- to long-term temporal scales, self-organizing into creative emergent properties; dynamics which may be applied to a wide range of topics. By synthesizing theory and empirical evidence from diverse fields including philosophy, psychology, sociology, art history, and economics, this pioneering work demonstrates the utility of simulation models in deciphering a surprisingly wide range of phenomena such as artistic (super)stardom and shifts within art historical paradigms.

‘The book is congenial to the universe of the arts, to creativity and improvisation. Paul van Geert provides an extremely revelatory and inspiring account - both for the hobby expert who goes to openings every week and to the art historian who will find an orderly universe that permits a systematic and piecemeal walk-through history.’

Ingar Brinck - Professor, Department of Philosophy and Cognitive Science, Lund University, Sweden

‘With this remarkable publication van Geert brings a lifetime of expertise in understanding human experience through dynamical systems to a re-description of visual art. Considering dynamical processes allows him not only to give a systematic exposition but also create his own, highly impressive, textual system to sit alongside the artworld.’

Francis Halsall - Lecturer, School of Visual Culture, National College of Art and Design, Ireland

‘Art is humanity’s greatest means for prompting nonlinear, complex, dynamic modes of experience. However, most artists and complex systems scientists remain unfamiliar with the others’ fields. Fortunately, Paul van Geert has written a powerful book that entangles the most intensive aspects of art, aesthetics, and complexity into one volume. A classic in the making.’

Jason Hoelscher - artist, educator, and author of Art as Information Ecology: Artworks, Artworlds, and Complex Systems Aesthetics

‘Offering rigorous analysis and fresh insights, this groundbreaking work applies dynamic systems theory to works of art and the global art market. Moving beyond traditional philosophical and art historical descriptions of the artworld, it develops an account of individual artworks and artistic movements as emergent properties of complex socio-cultural processes.’

Ryan Wittingslow - Associate Professor of Philosophy, University of Groningen, Netherlands

‘In this profound new book, van Geert incisively frames human artistic endeavor as processes of complex dynamic systems operating at multiple timescales and levels of organization. What emerges is a richly textured exploration through the thoroughly intertwined worlds of art and science - and a must-read for denizens of both worlds.’

David C. Witherington - Associate Professor, University of New Mexico, USA

‘Keen analysis and a wealth of examples offer a spectacular insight into how a complex dynamic systems view enables a (non-normative) meta perspective on art and art history as nonlinear, cross-cultural and transhistorical entanglements. Overcoming national confinements and traditional taxonomies it allows for a truly global art study. A thought-provoking must-read.’

Kitty Zijlmans - Professor Emeritus of World Art Studies, Leiden University, Netherlands