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Untitled, from the portfolio 'Art Ex Machina'

Print
1972 (published)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The computer-generated screenprint from 1972 is part of the portfolio Art Ex Machina, published by Gilles Gheerbrant in Montréal. Ken Knowlton has written the computer program using EXPLOR. Knowlton often collaborated with Lillian Schwartz in the creation of many early computer animations and computer-generated images.

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

Categories
Object type
TitleUntitled, from the portfolio 'Art Ex Machina' (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Screenprint
Brief description
Screenprint, by Ken Knowlton, 1972, from the portfolio 'Art Ex Machina', six computer-generated screenprints by Barbadillo, Kawano, Knowlton, Mohr, Nake, Nees, with a statement by each artist and a text by Abraham A. Moles, edition 193/200, published by Gilles Gheerbrant, Montréal, 1972.
Physical description
Blue, pink, green and purple screenprint on board, after a computer-generated image.
Dimensions
  • Length: 28cm
  • Width: 21.5cm
Copy number
193 of 200
Marks and inscriptions
  • '193/200' (Edition number in pencil in lower left side)
  • 'Knowlton' (Artist's signature in pencil in lower right side.)
Credit line
Given by the Computer Arts Society, supported by System Simulation Ltd, London
Production
Ken Knowlton collaborated with Lillian Schwartz in the creation of many early computer animations, such as 'Pixillation'.

Attribution note: The computer program was written Kenneth Knowlton, probably using EXPLOR.
Subject depicted
Summary
The computer-generated screenprint from 1972 is part of the portfolio Art Ex Machina, published by Gilles Gheerbrant in Montréal. Ken Knowlton has written the computer program using EXPLOR. Knowlton often collaborated with Lillian Schwartz in the creation of many early computer animations and computer-generated images.

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/0170 - Previous owner's number
Collection
Accession number
E.236:12-2008

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Record createdApril 14, 2008
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