On Friday, February 13th, the Addison Club hosted an open lunch with current artist-in-residence Paul Hertz. Hertz, a Phillips Academy alum, used this event as an opportunity to connect with Andover students and
As an algorithmic artist, Hertz generates computer algorithms to create abstract visuals.
Despite the rise of AI algorithmic art, Hertz has managed to pave an creative path within the algorithmic art field, particularly through the diverse computational methods he uses.
“At first I hadn’t really come across algorithmic and generative art before other than AI art, but [Hertz’s] process was highly meticulous and also, very personalized. I was talking about post-digital art theory and how he humanizes the digital realm. I find that so compelling because I have never come across something like that before,” said Francesca Dizon ’26, board member of the Addison Club.
Straying away from traditional art mediums, Hertz skillfully combines algorithmic art, with
one of his long-term passions, music composition. He consistently finds ways to translate sound — and the feelings different sounds may evoke —into visual art.
“I produce a lot of computer graphics using my own software. The latest ones are visualizations of audio waves. I have used simulated bird flight, regular random noise, tiling patterns and topological procedures to produce images with the computer. I continue my collaborations with musicians and composers. I have developed techniques for collaboration involving shared structures and poetic concepts that can be used in multiple media streams.” Hertz explained.
No matter the media, art has always been more than simply a career for Hertz. Through his work, he has been committed to advocating for social, political, and cultural advancements.
Students who attended lunch with Hertz appreciated how he was able to draw inspiration from the change he wished to see in the world.
Dizon shared her experience talking to Paul Hertz, stating “he’s such a well-rounded artist. I’ve never come across art that blends so many different fields. He involved math and he aims to dismantle political, social, cultural structures. I find his work so compelling, so I learned a lot about him. It was just a really good experience to interact with different artists with different inspirations.”
Hertz’ return to Phillips Academy, as an artist-in-residence has been a full-cycle experience, considering it is where his artistic career began. Had it not been for an art teacher he encountered as a student over 50 years ago, Hertz likely would have never explored his artist capabilities.
“I attended Phillips Academy from 1963 to 1967 when it was still a boys school. I thought I was going to study science. I loved mathematics, but in the summer of ’64 I met an art teacher, E.M. Cooke, who persuaded me that I could become an artist. After PA, I exhibited my work and also collaborated with theatrical performers and musicians. I laid the ground for a theory of intermedia composition, a way of producing both visual and musical work from the same structures.” said Hertz.
During his time as an artist-in-residence, Hertz is ready to share his work with a new generation of artists who are equally as passionate and dedicated to the art form. He is confident that his work will speak to those who are willing to listen.
“I’m here to talk about my work with different audiences. I hope to find in my work something that will awaken an echo in the people who are listening. I’m covering a lot of different subjects. It’s a challenge. I’m also doing some of my own work while I’m here. Solitude can be very productive and I found a little bit of solitude here along with a warm welcome.” said Hertz.
Hertz encourages aspiring artists to avoid conforming to molds that restrict their creative freedom. Challenges are inevitable in the art world, making it all the more essential to stay true to your vision, even if that means exploring different avenues to support your passion.
“There are many different ways of practicing art. Art can develop in many different situations besides galleries and museums. The most important thing for me has always been to find communities of other artists that support each other. If I were to give any sort of advice it would be to seek out the community that supports your particular way of making art. Making a living with your artwork alone is not at all easy, especially if your work is unfamiliar or innovative. It’s great if you can find other work to sustain you that is still associated with art. For me, that was teaching. If you have a vision for what your art should be, stick with it, but acquire the professional skills that can let you do many different things,” said Hertz.
