We don’t have an image of this object online yet. V&A Images may have a photograph that we can’t show online, but it may be possible to supply one to you. Email us at vaimages@vam.ac.uk for guidance about fees and timescales, quoting the accession number: E.184-2008
Find out about our images

Image of Gallery in South Kensington
Request to view at the Prints & Drawings Study Room, level E , Case CAS, Shelf 1

Pixillation

Photograph
ca. 1970 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Lillian F. Schwartz (b. 1927) is an American artist renowned for her pioneering contributions to computer-mediated art. Schwartz is well known for her abstract films, which helped integrate computer graphics into the art world as well as her research into electronic art analysis and restoration. Schwartz's contributions also branched into scientific research, examining topics such as visual and colour perception, and sound.

Schwartz was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to a large family of Jewish emigres. While working as a nurse in Japan, she became interested in painting and sculpture. Upon her return to New York, she became involved in the art scene, resulting in her introduction to the E.A.T. (Experiments in Art and Technology) group. At E.A.T., artists and engineers were paired together, and Lillian collaborated with Danish engineer Per Biorn to create 'Proxima Centauri'. A kinetic sculptural work that was displayed as part of 'The Machine as Seen at the End of the Mechanical Age' exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in 1968. Following this, Lillian Schwartz joined scientists at Bell Laboratories in New Jersey, as a 'Resident Visitor'. Schwartz also went on to consult with IBM’s Thomas J. Watson Research Laboratory.

Her abstract films were a collaborative effort, where Schwartz built upon the generative algorithms written by Ken Knowlton, her counterpart at Bell Laboratories. Much of Schwartz's other significant work utilizes a computer-mediated approach to art analysis, such as her study on the perspective construction of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper.


Object details

Category
Object type
TitlePixillation (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Photographic film stills mounted on board
Brief description
Four black and white photographic film stills from the film entitled 'Pixillation', originally credited to Lillian Schwartz and Ken Knowlton (original animation 1970)
Physical description
Four black and white photographic stills from a computer animation. Mounted on board.
Dimensions
  • Of mountboard height: 34.0cm
  • Of mountboard width: 44.5cm
  • Of top left photograph height: 16.7cm
  • Of top left photograph width: 21.9cm
  • Of top right photograph height: 16.5cm
  • Of top right photograph width: 21.7cm
  • Of lower left photograph height: 16.6cm
  • Of lower left photograph width: 22.1cm
  • Of lower right photograph height: 16.6cm
  • Of lower right photograph width: 21.9cm
Credit line
Given by the Computer Arts Society, supported by System Simulation Ltd, London
Production
1970 is the date of the animation 'Pixillation'. These stills may date from slightly later.
Summary
Lillian F. Schwartz (b. 1927) is an American artist renowned for her pioneering contributions to computer-mediated art. Schwartz is well known for her abstract films, which helped integrate computer graphics into the art world as well as her research into electronic art analysis and restoration. Schwartz's contributions also branched into scientific research, examining topics such as visual and colour perception, and sound.

Schwartz was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to a large family of Jewish emigres. While working as a nurse in Japan, she became interested in painting and sculpture. Upon her return to New York, she became involved in the art scene, resulting in her introduction to the E.A.T. (Experiments in Art and Technology) group. At E.A.T., artists and engineers were paired together, and Lillian collaborated with Danish engineer Per Biorn to create 'Proxima Centauri'. A kinetic sculptural work that was displayed as part of 'The Machine as Seen at the End of the Mechanical Age' exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in 1968. Following this, Lillian Schwartz joined scientists at Bell Laboratories in New Jersey, as a 'Resident Visitor'. Schwartz also went on to consult with IBM’s Thomas J. Watson Research Laboratory.

Her abstract films were a collaborative effort, where Schwartz built upon the generative algorithms written by Ken Knowlton, her counterpart at Bell Laboratories. Much of Schwartz's other significant work utilizes a computer-mediated approach to art analysis, such as her study on the perspective construction of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper.
Other number
CAS/A/0031 - Previous owner's number
Collection
Accession number
E.184-2008

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 23, 2009
Record URL
Download as: JSON