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KAES 1 (Algebraic Curves)

Print
1970 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This silkscreen print is from a series of works entitled KAES, from 'Kurven, AESthetische' (Aesthetic Curves). These works were Herbert W. Franke's first digitally produced graphics. In collaboration with the artist, Peter Henne wrote the computer program that generated and manipulated the curves. These algebraic curves formed the basic element of the image, and the computer program produced a series of slow, step-by-step superpositions and transformations. The curves could be enlarged, lengthened, or reduced, for example, producing sequences and patterns

Herbert W. Franke is a pioneering figure in the history of computer art. In 1971, he produced one of the first accounts of computer art entitled 'Computer graphics - Computer art'. In 1979, he co-founded the Ars Electronica Festival in Linz, Austria, an annual event that combines art and technology. Franke is also well known as a successful author of science fiction novels.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleKAES 1 (Algebraic Curves) (series title)
Materials and techniques
Silkscreen print on paper
Brief description
Silkscreen print in black ink on paper, after a plotter drawing, 'Algebraische Kurven (Algebraic Curves), from the series KAES, by Herbert W. Franke and Peter Henne.
Physical description
Silkscreen print in black ink on paper, after a plotter drawing, depicting a sequence of overlapping and narrowing linear forms.
Dimensions
  • Height: 70cm
  • Width: 49.5cm
Credit line
Given by the Computer Arts Society, supported by System Simulation Ltd, London
Object history
This work is one of a group of works called KAES, which stands for Kurven, aesthetische. These works were created in 1969, with a computer program conceived by Franke and written by Peter Henne, and were the first digitally-produced graphics.
Production
Algebraische Kurven translation is Algebraic Curves.
Peter Henne wrote the code for the KAES series.
Attribution note: Hardware: Siemens 4004
Summary
This silkscreen print is from a series of works entitled KAES, from 'Kurven, AESthetische' (Aesthetic Curves). These works were Herbert W. Franke's first digitally produced graphics. In collaboration with the artist, Peter Henne wrote the computer program that generated and manipulated the curves. These algebraic curves formed the basic element of the image, and the computer program produced a series of slow, step-by-step superpositions and transformations. The curves could be enlarged, lengthened, or reduced, for example, producing sequences and patterns

Herbert W. Franke is a pioneering figure in the history of computer art. In 1971, he produced one of the first accounts of computer art entitled 'Computer graphics - Computer art'. In 1979, he co-founded the Ars Electronica Festival in Linz, Austria, an annual event that combines art and technology. Franke is also well known as a successful author of science fiction novels.
Associated object
Bibliographic reference
Herzogenrath, Wulf and Barbara Nierhoff-Wielk, eds. Ex-Machina-Frühe Computergrafik bis 1979. Germany: Deutscher Kunstverlag, 2007. ISBN 978-3-422-06689-2.p.345 (cat. 87), ill.
Other number
CAS/A/0111 - Previous owner's number
Collection
Accession number
E.197-2008

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Record createdApril 9, 2008
Record URL
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