An introduction to file formats, we will deeply explore .BMP and .JPEG to understand images. Play around with them. And create the first polyglots, multi-formats files.

Session 1:  Creating Matter - Caring about files 

Encryption systems are another way to merge different files into one. We are gonna dive into LSB(least significant bits) algorithm; see and explore different examples

Session 2 : Creating Matter - the Unseen

We are going to be using different techniques and esoteric languages  for creating images based on simple text input.

Session 3: Altering Matter - Text -> Img

For exploring transmutation from text to sound: we will explore Solfa Cipher Algorithm and the LangoRythm prototype for genreating music.

Session 4: Altering Matter - Text -> Sound 

We will be sharing thoughts; showing works; reveal own circle of transmutation; showing what you learnt and what would like to learn.

Session 5: Showdown of work - Digital Alchemist Ritual 

An experimental course on understanding low level  representation of information.  By exploring how to transmute data; and by playing around with boundaries of creation & representation.

Digital Alchemy

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## [Artifact Title]

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Event

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Getting Started

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Prompt

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Retrospective

## Course Goals

This is an experimental course on understanding low level representation of information without requiring a formal computer-science background.

We will be exploring transmutation of data and playing around with boundaries of creation&representation.
For example: If we write poetry, but we are creating visual art and that is the final piece. Are we writers? Are we visual artists?

**Why?** 
Interpretation of information plays a central role in making sense of the world. What if there were different ways of decoding the data around us?

**How?** 
By having awareness  of what data is; understanding file formats; and using algorithms!



## Structure

We 're gonna meet once a week with sessions of 1.5 hours for 5 weeks.

 Each session will have:
  *  **Discussion section:** we will be using a pad for collaborative brainstorming. Material written will be used for updating [“Digital Alchemy Zine”](https://digital-alchemy-zine.netlify.app/), and settling down our reflections.

* **Conceptual section:** introduce theoretic concepts.

* **Explorative section:**  learning by doing. 

##  Schedule

*  **Week 1:  Creating Matter - Caring about files**
   An introduction to file formats, we will deeply explore .BMP and .JPEG to understand images. Play around with them. And create the first  polyglots, multi-formats files.

* **Week 2: Creating Matter: the Unseen**
 Encryption systems are another way to merge different files into one.  We are gonna dive into LSB(least significant bits) algorithm; see and explore different examples

* **Week 3: Altering Matter: Text -> Img**
We are going to be using different techniques and esoteric languages for creating images based on simple text input.

* **Week 4: Altering Matter: Text -> Sound**
For exploring transmutation from text to sound: we will explore [Solfa Cipher](https://wmich.edu/mus-theo/solfa-cipher/secrets/) Algorithm  and the [LangoRythm](https://github.com/jwktje/langorhythm) prototype for genreating music.


* **Week 5: Showdown of work -  Digital Alchemist Ritual**
  We will be sharing thoughts; showing works;  reveal own circle of transmutation;  showing what you learnt  and  what would like to learn.


## Artifacts

All discussions on  [live documents](https://pad.riseup.net/p/digital-alchemy-course-preview) will be used for documenting online zine.
Check out [last cohort's zine](https://digital-alchemy-zine.solquemal.com/) :bangbang:
 
So you can share what we've learned through the course! :smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

 And you would become a Digital Alchemist with your own  pieces of `data`; and techniques for manipulating bits :heart:  

## Who Should Sign Up

Curious minds that:

* wants to bring light on how computers work
* realized that never questioned what data is | files are
* would like to know more about alchemy techniques and applied them for creative practices
* wants to know how files can be corrupted
* Question why as users we rely on the data as we are shown, but do not audit it. For example: we can remove meta-data from all of our images
* Just want to have fun and wants to create a polyglot (multi format file)

Though programming is not a necessary skill, it is recommended to have seen scripts before.


## Anything Else…

Here are the [slides of the course preview presentation](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1eotszzVLH-9pkJLLEzM2zTFg2YUP47LhbWhSRBuN_Sg/edit#slide=id.g8eafb65932_0_43) in case you wanna know more about the course.

If you are super interested in attending but can not join us because of timezone, just send me an email.

Cohort #0

Digital Alchemy

Session 1: Creating Matter - Caring about files

Session 2 : Creating Matter - the Unseen

Session 3: Altering Matter - Text -> Img

Session 4: Altering Matter - Text -> Sound

Session 5: Showdown of work - Digital Alchemist Ritual

Information