MOSAIC

Mosaic is a visual programming software developed by and for artists. This description, taken from its own website, invites reflection: what does "designed for artists" truly mean? Why focus on this group? And, more importantly, how does software conceived as a creative tool differ from one designed as a simple functional product? Moreover, Mosaic is FLOSS (Free/Libre and Open Source Software), a term often misunderstood as "free of cost." However, the essence of FLOSS lies not in its price but in the freedoms it grants: the freedom to use, modify, and share the software, fostering a collaborative community instead of a closed consumption model.

In the context of contemporary digital culture, dominated by algorithms influencing our daily decisions and systems designed to maximize control and profit, Mosaic represents a significant exception. This software proposes an alternative space, disconnected from the structures of mass production controlled by global tech elites. Through its design, Mosaic positions itself as a tool true to the values of creativity and artistic research, unbound by market imperatives and media visibility.

Why design software that is unlikely to achieve mass popularity? Why focus its development around the Linux ecosystem, known for its niche of specialized users? These questions find their answers in the history and concepts behind Mosaic.

What is Mosaic?

Mosaic is a multi-platform visual programming and live-coding environment designed for creating real-time audiovisual compositions. Its applications are diverse:
· Live performances, such as those at algoraves.
· Generative audiovisual installations in museums.
· Teaching electronic art in educational settings.

Mosaic not only seeks to expand creative possibilities but also to facilitate the workflows of artists, creative programmers, stage designers, and other professionals in the techno-creative field. By enabling intuitive and personalized interaction, this software meets the needs of those who value the process as much as the result, offering a space to experiment, research, and create freely.

Ultimately, Mosaic is not just a tool: it is a manifesto of artistic autonomy and a reminder that technology can be, first and foremost, a catalyst for imagination and individual expression.