Computer Drawing: DP Henry and Beyond / 2015

2nd December 2015 - 17th December 2015

For the latest news follow this event on Facebook: www.facebook.com/events/1636990656570328

Introduction

Interact Digital Arts is bringing the work of pioneering computer artist DP Henry to Leicester for the first time. A collection of original machine drawings will be on show in the Phoenix Café Bar and work by DP Henry, Patrick Tresset, Jack Tait, Damon Roberts, Esther Rolinson and Damien Borowik is being exhibited at the LCB Depot LightBox. The exhibition is running from 2nd until 17th December and is being accompanied by a number of talks and workshops.

Desmond Paul Henry was a pioneering computer artist who created beautiful images in the 1960s using a modified World War Two bombsight computer. While receiving some recognition during his lifetime (his work was championed by the painter LS Lowry in 1961 and was featured at the seminal Cybernetic Serendipity exhibition at the ICA in 1968) it has only been in recent years that his importance in the history of British computer art has been fully recognised. This is largely down to the work of his daughter, Elaine O'Hanrahan, in researching and cataloging her father's work and presenting it to a wider audience.

Working with Elaine, we have been able to bring a collection of original DP Henry artworks to the Phoenix in Leicester. This is a rare opportunity to see so much of his work in once place and is something that we're sure that many people from Leicester and beyond will enjoy. The Henry exhibition is running for just over two weeks and is being accompanied by a display of artworks at LCB Depot Lightbox by contemporary artists who use drawing, drawing machines and computers in their work.

For the accompanying exhibition we have been playful with the term "computer drawing". You will find work created by artists who use both analogue and digital machines in their work. One artist uses a computer to create the images but then prints them using non-computer techniques. Another uses handmade drawings as the start of a process that leads to the creation of computer-powered installations. The purpose of this variety is to show how "drawing", in its many forms, is far from a dying or anachronistic activity in our computer-driven world, but retains its powerful and direct connection to the minds of many artists.

The show is split across two sites in Leicester's Cultural Quarter, just two minutes walk from each other and five minutes from the train station. Eleven pieces by DP Henry are on show in the Phoenix Café Bar and three pieces each by DP Henry, Patrick Tresset, Jack Tait, Damon Roberts, Esther Rolinson and Damien Borowik are being exhibited at the LCB Depot LightBox. There are also a number of computer drawing related events happening during the exhibition. Entry to all activities is free. Visit the Interact Digital Arts website for details.

Sean Clark
Curator
interactdigitalarts.uk

Exhibitions

DP Henry - Phoenix CaféBar

2nd December 2015 - 17th December 2015
10am - 10pm
FREE
www.phoenix.org.uk/event/dp-henry-computer-drawing/

The exhibition in the Phoenix CaféBar in Leicester features eleven original DP Henry artworks that were made in the 1960s. The images were produced using drawing machines that Henry made from customised bombsight computers.

Computer Drawing - LCB Depot LightBox

2nd December 2015 - 17th December 2015
10am - 4pm (except Sundays)
FREE

The exhibition at the LCB Depot LightBox in Leicester includes three images each by DP Henry, Patrick Tresset, Damien Borowik, Damon Roberts, Esther Rolinson and Jack Tait.

Events

Opening Event, LCB Depot LightBox

2nd December 2015
7pm - 9pm
FREE

This will be the first chance to see the exhibition of work by DP Henry, Patrick Tresset, Damien Borowik, Damon Roberts, Esther Rolinson and Jack Tait. There will be a short talk by Prof Ernest Edmonds plus drawing machine demonstrations by Sean Clark. Refreshments provided by Interact Digital Arts on the occasion of the launch of their new website.

20 FREE posters will be available at the opening plus you will be able to put your name down for a FREE exhibition catalogue (RRP £4)

Computer Drawing Workshop, LCB Depot LightBox

5th December 2015
1pm - 4pm
FREE

Come and have a play with with a range of drawing machines and drawing robots. Turn up at anytime between 1pm and 4pm. We will also be joined by Leicester Hackspace who will be demonstrating a couple of their machines.

Computer Drawing Symposium, Phoenix Screen 3

9th December 2015
7pm - 10pm
FREE (Places are limited, reserve yours here on the Phoenix website)

Join us for an evening of talks and discussions about drawing machines and the creative process.

Talks from:

7:00pm Sean Clark
7:10pm Elaine O'Hanrahan
7:50pm Jack Tait
8:30pm Esther Rolinson
9:10pm Refreshments and Discussion
9:30pm Close

Supported by the Computer Arts Society.

Attendees will be able to put their names down for a FREE exhibition catalogue (RRP £4)

Computer Drawing Workshop, LCB Depot LightBox

12th December 2015
1pm - 4pm
FREE

Come and have a play with with a range of drawing machines and drawing robots. Turn up at anytime between 1pm and 4pm. We will also be joined by Leicester Hackspace who will be demonstrating a couple of their machines.

Closing Event, LCB Depot LightBox

17th December 2015
7pm - 9pm
FREE

This will include be a scratch performance of "Methods for Misunderstanding the Nature of Things" - a new performance artwork by Ashok Mistry. See here for details.

Attendees will be able to put their names down for a FREE exhibition catalogue (RRP £4)

Supported By

Pictures

Exhibition set-up.

Exhibition opening 2nd December 2015.

Computer drawing workshops 5th and 12th December 2015.