Drawing
1972 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This plotter drawing is by an unknown artist, and was created using a computer and a pen plotter. A plotter is a mechanical device that is linked to a computer and guides a pen or brush across the drawing surface. Alternatively, some plotters use a static pen, but move the paper underneath. A computer program written by the artist, sometimes in collaboration with a computer programmer, would act as a set of instructions that would drive the pen across the drawing surface and dictate its route. Pen plotters were one of the few output devices available in the early stages of computer technology, but they are still used by some artists today.
It is not clear whether the text 'LEVEN 1972', in the lower left corner, refers to the artist or computer programmer, or to the software used to create the plotter drawing.
The rise of information technology in the 1960s, combined with an increased interest in generative and process led art, meant many artists began experimenting with computers and programming at this time, and it is likely that this work dates from around 1960-1980.
It is not clear whether the text 'LEVEN 1972', in the lower left corner, refers to the artist or computer programmer, or to the software used to create the plotter drawing.
The rise of information technology in the 1960s, combined with an increased interest in generative and process led art, meant many artists began experimenting with computers and programming at this time, and it is likely that this work dates from around 1960-1980.
Object details
Category | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Plotter drawing on computer paper |
Brief description | Plotter drawing in black ink on computer paper, by unknown artist, 1972. |
Physical description | Plotter drawing in black ink, on translucent computer paper, depicting a series of intersecting linear squares and triangles. |
Dimensions |
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Marks and inscriptions | 'LEVEN 1972: ZA 736' (Written by the plotter, in lower left side. It is not clear whether 'LEVEN' refers to the artist or to the computer program used to create the drawing.) |
Credit line | Given by the Computer Arts Society, supported by System Simulation Ltd, London |
Summary | This plotter drawing is by an unknown artist, and was created using a computer and a pen plotter. A plotter is a mechanical device that is linked to a computer and guides a pen or brush across the drawing surface. Alternatively, some plotters use a static pen, but move the paper underneath. A computer program written by the artist, sometimes in collaboration with a computer programmer, would act as a set of instructions that would drive the pen across the drawing surface and dictate its route. Pen plotters were one of the few output devices available in the early stages of computer technology, but they are still used by some artists today. It is not clear whether the text 'LEVEN 1972', in the lower left corner, refers to the artist or computer programmer, or to the software used to create the plotter drawing. The rise of information technology in the 1960s, combined with an increased interest in generative and process led art, meant many artists began experimenting with computers and programming at this time, and it is likely that this work dates from around 1960-1980. |
Other number | CAS/A/0151 - Previous owner's number |
Collection | |
Accession number | E.138-2008 |
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Record created | April 9, 2009 |
Record URL |
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