Twist

1976

Plotter Drawing

12.5" x 19"

Description

Twist is a computer-generated drawing built from the relationship between a square and a circle.

Twist was programmed in Fortran, with the coordinates of the square and circle stored in arrays. Linear interpolation between the two sets of points generated the twisting forms. The drawing was plotted in ink on a Calcomp machine. The sprocket holes along the margins show the feed system that kept the paper steady, serving as a reminder of a time when plotters were the primary way to make computer graphics visible.

Sets of lines bend at right angles and spiral tightly at their ends to create the appearance of rectangles, squares, and circles. The plotter’s precision makes each shape identical, achieving an effect that could not be done by hand. The repetition gives the drawing a sense of rhythm and movement where none exists, an optical illusion produced through precision and uniformity.

Bird Curves William Kolomyjec1972 Plotter

Boxes #1 and #2 by William Kolomyjec, 1981

Boxes #1 and #2 William Kolomyjec1981 Plotter

Creature Tunnel by William Kolomyjec, 1981

Creature Tunnel William Kolomyjec1981 Plotter

Artist and Computer by Ruth Leavitt, 1976

Artist and Computer Ruth Leavitt1976 Book

Ideal Flow Aldo Giorgini1976 Digital Print

1976 Christmas Card - Homo Jollilaw by Roman Verostko, 1976

1976 Christmas Card - Homo Jollilaw Roman Verostko1976 Ephemera

Newmarket, Philadelphia, 1976 by Unknown, 1976

Newmarket, Philadelphia, 1976 Unknown1976 Dot-Matrix

Print 8 Manfred Mohr1976 Print