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Algebraische Kurven (Algebraic Curves), from the series KAES

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
TitleAlgebraische Kurven (Algebraic Curves), from the series KAES (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Silkscren print on paper
Brief description
Silkscreen print in black ink on paper, after a plotter drawing, 'Algebraische Kurven (Algebraic Curves), from the series KAES, 1970, 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 teardrop-shaped forms.
Dimensions
  • Height: 70.1cm
  • Width: 49.6cm
Credit line
Given by the Computer Arts Society, supported by System Simulation Ltd, London
Production
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 Nierhoff-Wielk, Barbara, eds. Ex-Machina - Frühe Computergrafik bis 1979. Munich: Deutscher Kunstverlag, 2007. ISBN 978-3-422-06689-2. p.345 (cat. 87), ill.
Other number
CAS/A/0110 - Previous owner's number
Collection
Accession number
E.196-2008

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Record createdApril 10, 2008
Record URL
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