A novel evolutionary system for the creation of assemblages of three dimensional (3D) objects is presented. The proposed approach allows the evolution of the type, size, rotation and position of 3D objects that are placed on a virtual canvas, constructing a non-photorealistic transformation of a source image. The approach is thoroughly described, giving particular emphasis to genotype–phenotype mapping, and to the alternative object placement strategies. The experimental results presented highlight the differences between placement strategies, and show the potential of the approach for the production of large-scale artworks.