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Untitled, from the portfolio 'Art Ex Machina'

Print
1971 (made), 1972 (published)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This screenprint, by Manfred Mohr (born 1938, Germany), is from a plotter drawing produced 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.

The computer program was based on a series of decision making processes that were used to structure the image. The artist deliberately wrote random variables into the program to allow the computer to make certain choices of its own from a given number of options.

Mohr began life as an expressionist painter and jazz musician but in the 1960s began exploring geometric form, 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 allows Mohr to create very complex algorithms which would otherwise be too difficult and time consuming for humans to process.

Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleUntitled, from the portfolio 'Art Ex Machina' (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Screenprint from a computer-generated drawing
Brief description
Screenprint from a plotter drawing, by Manfred Mohr, 1972, from the portfolio 'ART EX MACHINA', six computer art 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
Screenprint on paper, mounted on board. Yellow background with black linear geometric marks and shapes.
Dimensions
  • Height: 50.6cm
  • Width: 38.0cm
Copy number
193 of 200
Marks and inscriptions
  • '193/200' (Edition number, in pencil in lower left side.)
  • 'Mohr 71' (Artist's signature, in pencil in lower right side.)
Credit line
Given by the Computer Arts Society, supported by System Simulation Ltd, London
Summary
This screenprint, by Manfred Mohr (born 1938, Germany), is from a plotter drawing produced 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.

The computer program was based on a series of decision making processes that were used to structure the image. The artist deliberately wrote random variables into the program to allow the computer to make certain choices of its own from a given number of options.

Mohr began life as an expressionist painter and jazz musician but in the 1960s began exploring geometric form, 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 allows Mohr to create very complex algorithms which would otherwise be too difficult and time consuming for humans to process.
Other number
CAS/A/0183 - Previous owner's number
Collection
Accession number
E.236:13-2008

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Record createdJune 8, 2009
Record URL
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