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P-021/A + B, "band-structure", computer generated algorithmic plotter drawings, ink/paper, 1969, 50cm x 50cm



© 1969 by Manfred Mohr



About the algorithm:
The elements are horizontal, vertical, 45 degree lines, square waves, zig-zags, and have probabilities for line widths and lengths. The algorithm places elements in a horizontal direction and has a high probability to move from left to right and a limited probability to backtrack.
The original idea of this algorithm was to create a visual musical score which defies the progression in time by occasionally turning back on itself. Thus at the same time an abstract text is created.

In the 1971 catalog, "random walk" programs P-10 and P-18 are called studies for this program.

Significance of this algorithm to me:

First published:
Festival Arts Plastique, Montargis, France, Catalog, July 14 - Aug 10, 1970
Catalog (2 drawings) Manfred Mohr, "Computer Graphics, Une esthétique programée", ARC - Musée d'Art Moderne, Paris, 1971 (catalog and show)

About the work:
Drawings from this algorithm are in the following public collections:
Whitney Museum of American Art, New York;   Museum Abteiberg Sammlung Etzold Mönchengladbach Germany;   Anne + Michael Spalter Digital Art Collection Providence Rhode Island
A print from this program, part of the portfolio "Scratch Code" (1970 - 1975) 1976, is in many public and private collections.
Drawings from this algorithm were in many museum shows, including:
My historic one person show at ARC - Musée d'Art Moderne, Paris, 1971;   My first retrospective show "Fractured Symmetry", Wilhelm-Hack-Museum, Ludwigshafen, Germany, 1987;   The group show "Programmed", Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, 2019