Herbert W. Franke

Herbert W. Franke, also known as the “dinosaur of digital art,” was born in Vienna in 1927, a time when science and art rarely crossed paths. From early on, he was fascinated by both worlds and eager to explore where they might meet. He studied physics, mathematics, chemistry, psychology, and philosophy at the University of Vienna, earning his doctorate in theoretical physics in 1950 with a dissertation on electron optics. This diverse education shaped his unique approach, combining scientific rigor with creative exploration. Franke recognized the artistic potential of emerging technologies, moving into computer graphics and digital art well before these fields gained wider recognition, proving that art and science could push each other forward in exciting ways.

Franke’s career was defined by a remarkable integration of science and art. Beginning in the 1950s, he created some of the earliest computer-generated art, evolving from analog oscilloscope images to digital plotter drawings as technology advanced. His contributions extended beyond creation; in 1971, he authored one of the first comprehensive histories of computer art and co-founded Ars Electronica, which became a cornerstone institution for media art. Franke’s work laid important groundwork, helping to establish frameworks for understanding digital art as both a scientific and creative practice.

Franke’s multidisciplinary life went far beyond his artistic achievements. For more than two decades, he held academic positions teaching cybernetic aesthetics and computer graphics, emphasizing the relationship between perception, technology, and creativity. He was also a prolific author of science fiction and essays, engaging thoughtfully with questions about technology and society. His interests extended to speleology, where his research contributed to advancements in cave dating techniques. Franke’s broad intellectual pursuits formed a coherent vision, combining rigorous scientific inquiry with innovative artistic expression, securing his place as a foundational figure in digital and media art.

His groundbreaking work found a home in major institutions such as Kunsthalle Bremen, the ZKM Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe, and the Victoria and Albert Museum, cementing his influence in digital and media art. Over his lifetime, he received several distinctions, including the Karl Theodor Vogel Prize for technology journalism, the European Grand Master of Science Fiction award, and an honorary doctorate (Dr. h.c.) from the Karlsruhe University of Arts and Design in 2017 for his lifelong research into art and science. In 2024, the Foundation Herbert W. Franke organized the Generative Art Summit, bringing together pioneers from across generations to celebrate his legacy and explore the future of generative art. Franke passed away in 2022.