Clement Valla
Clement Valla is an artist exploring human-machine vision through computational systems. His work has been exhibited internationally, including large-scale public installations in Europe and Asia. At RISD, he founded the Art and Computation BFA program and chairs the Computation, Technology & Culture department.
Clement's Upcoming Workshops
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II
Level II
Photography students have a basic understanding of photography principles and technology and are comfortable using an SLR camera in manual mode. New Media students have a basic understanding of video, multimedia or animation software. Students have basic computer skills and are comfortable using a Macintosh computer.
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III
Level III
Photography students have some formal training and significant experience making, capturing and digitally processing images using Adobe Lightroom and/or Adobe Photoshop. New Media students have some formal training in conceptual and technological aspects of video, multimedia, coding or animation and are versed in the appropriate software applications. Students have a portfolio of their artwork.
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IV
Level IV
Photography students have advanced skills and knowledge of photography and digital image processing. New Media students have advanced skills and knowledge of video, multimedia, coding or animation. Students are self-motivated and have multiple portfolios of their artwork.
Jul 6 - 10, 2026
9 AM - 5 PM
Drawing With Machines
Clement Valla
Tuition $1,195
Code P0610-26
This workshop invites participants to design and build custom computational tools for digital drawing and image-making, and to translate generative work into physical form using pen plotters. Through an emphasis on tool-building and exploratory “vibe coding,” students investigate distinctive and unconventional approaches to mark-making. Rather than relying on existing software, participants develop their own image-making instruments using languages and frameworks such as JavaScript, Python, p5.js, Three.js, or Processing. The workshop foregrounds the creation of bespoke workflows and pipelines, allowing each student to align technical decisions with their individual creative vision. Iterative development is central to the process, positioning tool-building itself as a core creative practice. Custom tools may be published online or shared via GitHub, contributing to a growing library of generative instruments. Final outcomes may include pen-plotted drawings produced with robotic plotters, digital prints, or interactive, web-based applications.