Basic Information
Title: Elektronische Grafik (from the Pendular Oscillogram Series)
Artist(s):
Herbert W. Franke
Date Created: 1970
Edition Info: 94/100
Framed Dimensions: 35 x 26.5 in.
Unframed Dimensions: 19.25 x 15.5 in.
Medium: serigraph on paper
Inventory ID: Franke-1970-02
Description
a serigraph after a photograph of an original unique computer-generated image
signed lower right in graphite
numbered 54/100 lower left in graphite
hardware: analogue computer
output device: cathode-ray oscillograph
“Herbert Franke made his ‘electronic graphics’ using an analogue computer, a forerunner of the digital computer, and a cathode-ray oscillograph to convert the electronic signals into images. His fellow student, Dr. Franz Raimann, built Franke a simple analogue device that could calculate multiple plane curves. Franke used a cathode-ray oscillograph as his output device. This apparatus had a screen diameter of 5cm and produced blurred lines. To enhance his images Franke darkened the room and moved a camera to and fro to capture the photographic images. In doing so he was able to fan out the line figures. Between 1955 and 1956 he titled his works made using this technique ‘pendular oscillograms’.
The photograph was used as a basis for a transfer to a silkscreen print which was exhibited at the 1970 Venice biennale.”
– Victoria and Albert Museum