This paper proposes a critical approach to the interpretation of software-based generative art, focusing on the ontological and narrative structures - "system stories" - built in to their architecture. It builds on the writing of Florian Cramer and Brad Borevitz among others, and looks at the work of artists including Casey Reas, Jared Tarbell, William Ngan, William Hodgin, Mauro Annunziato and Driessens and Verstappen.

It was presented at Readme 100 (Dortmund, November 2005) and published in Readme 100: temporary software art factory, (Norderstedt: BoD, 2006).

Image: Structure #003A, William Ngan - from {Software} Structures (2004)