Generative Art Timeline · Chapter 3: Analog Era (1950s)

1950

Ben Laposky Makes the First Oscillons

Event · All-Time Moment · Top Moment

Ben Laposky Makes the First Oscillons
Spalter Digital. 2023. Electronic Abstraction 4. spalterdigital.com

Ben Laposky produces the first graphics generated by electronic machines, a critical step on the way to the digitization of generative art with proto-computer art.

Using an oscilloscope in 1950, Ben F. Laposky originated the concept of graphics generated by electronic machines, creating his now legendary oscillons. These “electrical compositions” are regarded as among the first electronic graphics.

Image is copyrighted by Ben Laposky and courtesy of The Anne and Michael Spalter Digital Art Collection.

Text by Peter Bauman. Generative Art Timeline, Le Random, fact-checked September 2026.

Sources

People

Ben Laposky

Movements

computer art, generative art, Oscillographic Art

Filed under

Ideas
Analog Computer Art, generative art
Technologies
computer art, computer graphics, oscilloscope
People
Ben Laposky
Works
Electronic Art, Oscillons
Other subjects
Laposky

Echoes across time

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