Fractals are "a rough or fragmented geometric shape that can be split into parts, each of which is (at least approximately) a reduced-size copy of the whole." (
Wikipedia) Fractal patterns are found frequently in nature and many people see them in decorative patterns.
The phrase "computer generated art" implies a lack of human input, however much of what might fall under that title is created through the interaction of human and computer. Differences in style among artists can be discerned. Once a fractal is generated, many techniques can be applied to alter the image.
There are several programs that generate fractals. The fractal flames, a basis for several designs, were generated using Apophysis, a program created by Mark Townsend using the algorithm by Scott Draves. I highly reccomend looking at his "Electric Sheep Project."
