Herbert W. Franke

Herbert W. Franke was one of the earliest pioneers of computer art, often referring to himself as "the dinosaur of computer art." His generative explorations began in the mid-1950s, working with an analog computer, an oscilloscope as output device and a camera to capture the patterns of continuous lines the installation generated.

In the 1960s, Franke continued transitioned into digital methods and, in 1971, published the first comprehensive history of computer art. His work has been exhibited and collected by major institutions worldwide, including the Victoria & Albert Museum, ZKM Karlsruhe, Centre Pompidou, Spalter Digital and König Galerie.

In addition to his important contributions to computer art, Franke was a trained physicist and philosopher whose diverse career also encompassed science fiction writing, speleology and curatorial work. He was a co-founder of Ars Electronica, the pioneering digital art institution whose annual festivals and awards have played a significant role in shaping the generative art landscape.