Walk Through Raster

Basic Information

Title: Walk Through Raster
Artist(s): Frieder Nake
Date Created: 1967
Framed Dimensions: 25.75 x 25.75 in.
Unframed Dimensions: 20 x 20 in.
Medium: ZUSE Graphomat Z64 plotter drawing on paper
Inventory ID: Nake-1967-06c

Description

computer used to create the image: Telefunken TR4 using Algol 60 and custom software Walk Through Raster

machine used to draw the image: ZUSE Graphomat Z64

In 1966, Nake used the Walk-through-Raster software in the ALGOL 60 programming language to create as series of computer-generated drawings on paper. The drawings were produced by a ZUSE-Graphomat Z64.

The program used a repertoire of signs that were placed on a grid. A function selected one sign from the repertoire and another function selected the following sign based on the previous one and applying probability distribution. In this manner, a chain of signs was generated. The second operation of the program consisted in mapping the chain of signs into the cells of the picture plane. The first sign of the chain was put into the top left-most cell of the picture plane. The second sign of the chain was placed into the next cell, and so forth, until all signs had been put into the picture’s cells. This mapping operation was carried out according to a specific mapping mode.