Three small exhibitions in 1965 introduced the public to the early manifestations of computer art, a field in which Frieder Nake played a fundamental role. Born in 1938 in Stuttgart, Germany, he emerged as a pioneer by utilizing advanced plotting technology to bridge the gap between traditional graphic design and emerging computational possibilities during the mid-twentieth century.
Early Career and Artistic Development
Nake studied at the University of Stuttgart, where he focused on probability theory, eventually earning his diploma and doctoral degrees. His artistic output began in November 1965 with a debut exhibition at Galerie Wendelin Niedlich alongside Georg Nees. Between 1965 and 1969, he produced between 300 and 400 works. The majority of these pieces were created using a Zuse Graphomat Z64, a high-precision flatbed plotter that produced China ink graphics on paper. During this period, he also developed limited screenprint editions and portfolios.
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Throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, Nake displayed his work at significant international venues. His participation included the Cybernetic Serendipity exhibition in London in 1968 and the Tendencies 4: Computers and Visual Research show in Zagreb, Yugoslavia, in 1968. He was also featured in the 35th Venice Biennale in 1970 and the Arteonica event in São Paulo in 1971. His work is now held in public collections globally, including the Tate Gallery in London, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Zagreb.
Theoretical Contributions and Activism
In 1971, Nake published a provocative note in the Computer Arts Society bulletin titled "There Should Be No Computer-Art." This text challenged the digital art community to address the moral implications of technology, specifically citing the Vietnam War and the threat of automation-driven unemployment. He argued against artists acting as passive agents for ruling classes. His 1974 book, Ästhetik als Informationsverarbeitung, remains a key text in exploring the intersection of aesthetics, computing, and information theory.
Academic Appointments
Nake began his academic career teaching in Stuttgart, Toronto, and Vancouver before moving to the University of Bremen in 1972, where he served as a professor of interactive computer graphics. In 2005, he expanded his teaching focus to include digital media design. His extensive visiting professorships have taken him to institutions including the University of Oslo, the University of Basel, Tongji University, and the University of Costa Rica. In 1997, the University of Bremen recognized his instructional contributions with the Berninghausen Award for Excellence and Innovation in Teaching.
Fast facts
- Born: 1938, Stuttgart, Germany
- Primary Fields: Mathematics, Computer Science, Computer Art
- Education: University of Stuttgart
- Key Tool: Zuse Graphomat Z64 Plotter
- Academic Tenure: University of Bremen since 1972
- 1966 Achievement: First Prize, Computers & Automation Art Contest
- 1974 Publication: Ästhetik als Informationsverarbeitung
- 1997 Award: Berninghausen Award for Excellence and Innovation in Teaching
Questions readers ask
What was the primary method Frieder Nake used to create his early computer graphics?
He primarily used a Zuse Graphomat Z64, a high-precision flatbed plotter that executed drawings using China ink on paper.
Why did Nake write "There Should Be No Computer-Art" in 1971?
He wanted to critique the use of technology in the Vietnam War and the socioeconomic impact of process automation, warning artists against blindly embracing corporate technology.
Achievements
- Held posts at University of the Arts Bremen and University of Bremen
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