Tessellated Self Portrait

January 27, 2025

In June 2020 I celebrated my college graduation; I had moved back to California several months prior, at the start of COVID, so that I would not have to live alone any longer. Stuck at home with my job not starting until September, I had a lot of time on my hands and not much to do.

As a way to improve my Python skills, I started exploring a way to convert images into tessellations programatically.

The way this algorithm works is pretty simple:

1. Split the image into chunks. I used equilateral triangles, as they tessellate.
2. Assign a color to each chunk. I used the average color of all pixels here.
3. Recreate the image out of the chunks.

All photos are by me, unless otherwise noted.

Landscapes

Death Valley

Lake 22, Washington

This is one of my favorite photos of me in my library, taken during an impromptu swim on an impromptu hike in late Summer 2018. My friend Lydia Ely captured the moment perfectly.

I added a parameter to change the number of triangles used. As the number of triangles increases, so does the image's resemblance of the original.

Self Portrait

I thought it might be interesting to use a simple photo of myself instead, so I took one. It features the early stages of my pandemic haircut.

I wanted a physical version, rather than this perfect digital tessellation. I cut up maps and posters my Mom had collected into small equilateral triangles. I glued them to cardboard, using the image above as a guide.

This is the end result, which is now framed in my kitchen:

Reflection

At the time, I created this project as an antidote to lockdown-induced boredom. I am not one who would typically enjoy cutting and gluing paper triangles for hours.

Today, the self-portrait carries significant personal meaning to me. I created it at a time of global change and upset, months into the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown with no end in sight. I created it at a time of personal transition, from college student to soon-to-be professional, from Washingtonian back to Californian, and from youth to adulthood.

The contrasting evolution from my careless selfie, to my algorithm's perfect tessellation, and finally to the imperfect handcrafted version reflects the messy reality of personal growth and change. I am grateful to have the product of this pivotal time hanging in my kitchen, as a daily reminder of my resilience and adaptation in the face of uncertainty.

Tessellate your own Images

I've created a tool where you can tessellate your own images right now!