Image of Gallery in South Kensington
Request to view at the Prints & Drawings Study Room, level C , Case 3H, Shelf 23

Typical Output

Print
1968-1972 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

These computer print-outs by Manuel Barbadillo would have served as trial pieces, or research, for a later work that would have been produced by hand, such as the two screenprints in the V&A's collection (for example, see E.99-2008). Barbadillo wrote a computer program that enabled him to rotate the U-shaped forms within a grid, to produce a large number of different formations. The set of figures in the top left corner of each design, labelled 'Cuadro Numero 1' (meaning 'Picture Number 1'), demonstrates how Barbadillo altered the numerical values in the computer program to explore the relationship of one U-shaped motif to another. Barbadillo would then compare the different outcomes in a larger sequence to decide which image was the most successful, and should be developed further. By using the computer as a tool, Barbadillo was able to process much larger quantities of information than would otherwise have been possible.

These works were produced using a line printer, which was an early form of impact printer. Like a type writer, impact printers use force to literally stamp the ink onto the paper. Print-outs were restricted to black and white, and darker areas or shading, could only be achieved by overwriting one character on top of another


Object details

Category
Object type
TitleTypical Output (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Computer print-outs mounted on board
Brief description
Computer print-outs mounted on board, 'Typical Output', 1968-1972, by Manuel Barbadillo.
Physical description
Two computer print-outs on paper, mounted on board.
Dimensions
  • Height: 74.7cm
  • Width: 68.5cm
Credit line
Given by the Computer Arts Society, supported by System Simulation Ltd, London
Summary
These computer print-outs by Manuel Barbadillo would have served as trial pieces, or research, for a later work that would have been produced by hand, such as the two screenprints in the V&A's collection (for example, see E.99-2008). Barbadillo wrote a computer program that enabled him to rotate the U-shaped forms within a grid, to produce a large number of different formations. The set of figures in the top left corner of each design, labelled 'Cuadro Numero 1' (meaning 'Picture Number 1'), demonstrates how Barbadillo altered the numerical values in the computer program to explore the relationship of one U-shaped motif to another. Barbadillo would then compare the different outcomes in a larger sequence to decide which image was the most successful, and should be developed further. By using the computer as a tool, Barbadillo was able to process much larger quantities of information than would otherwise have been possible.

These works were produced using a line printer, which was an early form of impact printer. Like a type writer, impact printers use force to literally stamp the ink onto the paper. Print-outs were restricted to black and white, and darker areas or shading, could only be achieved by overwriting one character on top of another
Other number
CAS/A/0087 - Previous owner's number
Collection
Accession number
E.76-2008

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Record createdApril 2, 2009
Record URL
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