The term "fractal" was first used by mathematician Benoit Mandelbrot in 1975, but its origins date back to the 17th century with the study of recursion.

The Fractal Flame series is based on the flame algorithm, in which tone mapping and staining are designed to display as much detail as possible of the fractal, which generally gives a more aesthetically pleasing image. De Wilde applied his post-minimal aesthetic to the algorithm to create an ephemeral array of flames and smoke expressing a fleeting sense of time. The result is hypnotic for the eye and soothing for the mind.