Untitled from Drawing Machine Three

1967

Machine/Robot Drawing

30.5"x20.5"

The Ragnar 100

Description

Desmond Paul Henry’s third Drawing Machine, made in 1967, furthered his exploration of “mechanics of chance.” As with his previous drawing machines, it was based on an analogue bombsight computer from World War II that was originally used to calculate curved trajectories and the precise release of bombs. Henry rebuilt these analogue bombsight computers, attaching a motor-driven pen-arm that worked in conjunction with a drawing table. Drawing Machine III offered greater control during the drawing process than the previous two devices, and Henry could intervene more easily.

Though they were originally designed as precise instruments of war, capable of calculating deadly courses with exacting accuracy, Henry’s machines did not serve as precision instruments in his studio. Rather, their value lay in the interplay between mechanical calculation and chance, allowing unexpected variations to emerge within a broadly controlled framework. The tension between regular and irregular forms in the drawing seen here exemplifies this dynamic.

"Ideographs" Exhibition Brochure by Desmond Paul Henry, 1962

"Ideographs" Exhibition Brochure Desmond Paul Henry1962 Ephemera

Untitled from Drawing Machine One by Desmond Paul Henry, 1961

Untitled from Drawing Machine One Desmond Paul Henry1961 Machine Drawing

Untitled from Drawing Machine Two (b&w) by Desmond Paul Henry, 1964

Untitled from Drawing Machine Two (b&w) Desmond Paul Henry1964 Machine Drawing

Cameraless Photography #109 by Desmond Paul Henry, 1977

Cameraless Photography #109 Desmond Paul Henry1977 Oscilloscope

Reid Gallery Invitation (One Man Show) by Desmond Paul Henry, 1962

Reid Gallery Invitation (One Man Show) Desmond Paul Henry1962 Ephemera

Untitled from Drawing Machine Two by Desmond Paul Henry, 1963

Untitled from Drawing Machine Two Desmond Paul Henry1963 Machine Drawing

Cameraless Photography by Desmond Paul Henry, 1979

Cameraless Photography Desmond Paul Henry1979 Oscilloscope

The Logic of Saint Anslem by Desmond Paul Henry, 1963

The Logic of Saint Anslem Desmond Paul Henry1963 Machine Drawing