Computer Art IBM Edition (A-series)

Name: Ragnar Digital, LLC
Price range: $

1973

Eight serigraphs after computer-generated line plots, each on smooth wove paper, sheet 60 × 60 cm (image c. 50 × 50 cm).
Titled low-left within the print; edition size unrecorded.

Portfolio Works

Description

In both their production and exhibition history, Hans Köhler’s Computer Art IBM Edition A and Edition B series prints are a striking example of the creative encounters between artists and computer companies that took place in the 1970s.

At the time Köhler worked as head of design at IBM, and was able to make use of the multinational’s powerful equipment to create complex computer-generated plotter drawings. He also drew on his background as a former student of painting and graphic design who had completed an apprenticeship in color lithography. In both editions, the plotter’s line drawings appear against contrasting backdrops featuring idiosyncratically shaped multi-border frames. With their bright and flat planes of color, the images clearly relate to the language of Pop art.

The resulting images were printed as high-quality serigraphs on smooth wove paper in an unknown edition number.

It is also unknown whether Köhler was actively invited or encouraged by his employer to create the series to promote their products. What we do know is that the Edition A series was exhibited in “Tendencies 5” in Zagreb in the summer of 1973.

Computer Art IBM Edition B03 Hans Köhler 1974 Print

Computer Art IBM Edition A03 Hans Köhler 1973 Print

Computer Art IBM Edition A01 Hans Köhler 1973 Print

Computer Art IBM Edition (B-series) Hans Köhler 1974 Print

Computer Art IBM Edition A08 Hans Köhler 1973 Print

Computer Art IBM Edition A05 Hans Köhler 1973 Print

Computer Art IBM Edition B01 Hans Köhler 1974 Print

Computer Art IBM Edition B02 Hans Köhler 1974 Print