Belgian-based multimedia developer Ward De Langhe is what’s known as a generative artist. His work is “created using algorithms and maths” that are written in language called ActionScript. Anyway, it’s still an emerging field and hard to master, which makes this portrait he did of President Obama even more impressive. Langhe describes what sounds like an alien process:

“The Obama pieces are made by letting hundreds of little particles fly around on a digital canvas. Their speed/color/direction is influenced by a picture of Obama. They try to fly towars light… and they kind of live on light, beucase light makes them grow/become brighter. However, they are programmed to every now and then, have a mind of their own. That’s why there’s also some random movement in there.”

Understand all that? Us either. In the meantime, check out his other two particle distributing portraits here and here.