computer grafik by Georg Nees and Frieder Nake at Galerie Wendelin Niedlich in Stuttgart (Germany)

Opening November 5, 1965, computer grafik was Europe’s first computer art exhibition outside of a university and third ever public show. It was the third and final of the three famous 1965 shows.

Nake’s first ever exhibition, the show was highly influenced by the thinking of Max Bense and his views on generative aesthetics.

Nees took his doctorate under Bense, writing his thesis on computer art, and Nake sat in on Bense’s lectures.

The exhibition was extremely optimistic about the creative possibilities of computers and art. It asked questions about technology and art, as well as artificial intelligence, envisioning the out-sized creative possibilities that programmed art promised.

While some of these works actually sold for very small prices, public sentiment was muted at best.

This author, Peter Bauman spoke to Frieder Nake about the beginnings of computer art and more in “Frieder Nake on “Machinic” Miracles” at Le Random Editorials.