Image of Gallery in South Kensington
Request to view at the Prints & Drawings Study Room, level C , Case 3H, Shelf 24

P-18 (random walk)

Drawing
1969/1970 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This plotter drawing was created using a computer program written by the artist. A plotter is a mechanical device that holds a pen or brush and is linked to a computer that controls its movements. Plotters were one of the few available output devices for computers in the late 1960s. Mohr began using computers in his art in 1968, and this is one of his earliest plotter drawings. The 'P-18' of the title refers to the particular computer program used to generate this drawing. From one program Mohr could produce a series of drawings. The V&A holds two other drawings also created from this same program (see V&A museum numbers E.96-2008 and E.200-2008).

In 1969, access to computers was difficult owing to their size and cost. Mohr applied to the Paris Institut Météorologique for permission to use their computer and plotter. It is likely that he created this drawing whilst at the Institute.

Mohr began life as an expressionist painter and jazz musician but in the 1960s began exploring geometric forms and moved towards a more objective, systematic way of working that anticipated his use of the computer. Mohr underpins his computer programs, or algorithms, with precise mathematical logic. The computer enables Mohr to create very complex algorithms which would otherwise be too difficult and time consuming for humans to process.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleP-18 (random walk) (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Plotter drawing on paper
Brief description
Plotter drawing on paper, mounted on board, 'P-18 (random walk)', 1969/70, by Manfred Mohr.
Physical description
Black and white plotter drawing on paper, mounted on board.
Dimensions
  • Height: 60.8cm
  • Width: 54.8cm
Marks and inscriptions
22 (Small black sticker with the number 22, attached to the lower right side. Probably refers to an exhibition reference number.)
Credit line
Given by the Computer Arts Society, supported by System Simulation Ltd, London
Summary
This plotter drawing was created using a computer program written by the artist. A plotter is a mechanical device that holds a pen or brush and is linked to a computer that controls its movements. Plotters were one of the few available output devices for computers in the late 1960s. Mohr began using computers in his art in 1968, and this is one of his earliest plotter drawings. The 'P-18' of the title refers to the particular computer program used to generate this drawing. From one program Mohr could produce a series of drawings. The V&A holds two other drawings also created from this same program (see V&A museum numbers E.96-2008 and E.200-2008).

In 1969, access to computers was difficult owing to their size and cost. Mohr applied to the Paris Institut Météorologique for permission to use their computer and plotter. It is likely that he created this drawing whilst at the Institute.

Mohr began life as an expressionist painter and jazz musician but in the 1960s began exploring geometric forms and moved towards a more objective, systematic way of working that anticipated his use of the computer. Mohr underpins his computer programs, or algorithms, with precise mathematical logic. The computer enables Mohr to create very complex algorithms which would otherwise be too difficult and time consuming for humans to process.
Other number
CAS/A/0056 - Previous owner's number
Collection
Accession number
E.115-2008

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdMarch 11, 2009
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest