Generative Art Timeline · Chapter 6: Personal Computer Era (1980s)
1985
Herbert W. Franke Reissues Computer Graphics, Computer Art

Originally published in 1971, this updated edition of the book reaffirmed its enduring relevance by including nearly fifteen more years of history. Franke’s work has been instrumental in introducing computer-generated art to a broader audience, and the re-release solidified his position as a pioneering figure in the field. The book highlights the history, methods and theoretical foundations of computer art as a movement, as only Franke could. Thus, the reissue not only served as a historical record of the early days of computer art but also underscored the ongoing evolution of the practice.
Text by Peter Bauman. Generative Art Timeline, Le Random, fact-checked September 2026.
Sources
People
Movements
computer art
Filed under
- Ideas
- computer art history
- Technologies
- computer art, computer graphics
- People
- Herbert W. Franke
- Works
- Computer Graphics, Computer Art
Related moments
Echoes across time
- 1968 · "On the Path to Computer Art” by the Parallel Group
- 2006 · 20th Century Computer Art at Tama Art University Museum, Tokyo
- 1951 · Edmund C. Berkeley Begins Publishing Computers and Automation
Le Random editorials
- Demystifying Generative Art, Peter Bauman, July 20, 2023
- Generations of Verse, Elisabeth Sweet, July 12, 2023
- Jason Bailey, Georg Bak & Kate Vass on the Art Form of Our Generation, Peter Bauman, May 29, 2024
- Frieder Nake on “Machinic” Miracles, Peter Bauman, July 10, 2024
Le Random podcast
- Elevating the Generative Art Space (Launch Episode) with Casey Reas, ciphrd, Anne Spalter, Anika Meier & Georg Bak — listen with transcript on Le Random (28 Jun 2023, 52 min). Transcript mentions Computer Graphics, Computer Art. Apple Podcasts · Spotify
- Timeline Ch 1—Pre-Modern Era with Marius Watz — listen with transcript on Le Random (06 Jul 2023, 46 min). Transcript mentions Computer Graphics, Computer Art. Apple Podcasts · Spotify
- Timeline Ch 5—Artist-Programmer Era (1970s) with Joan Truckenbrod, Hans Dehlinger & Anika Meier — listen with transcript on Le Random (14 Jan 2024, 65 min). Transcript mentions Herbert W. Franke. Apple Podcasts · Spotify
- Timeline Ch 6—Personal Computer Era (1980s) with Mark Wilson, Copper Giloth, Dan Sandin, David Em, William Latham, Stephen Todd, Darcy Gerbarg & Geoff Davis — listen with transcript on Le Random (08 Feb 2024, 85 min). Chapter 6’s episode. Apple Podcasts · Spotify