on the occasion of the 100th birthday
The Fusion of Poetry and Generative Art celebrating a Visionary
Poem 1
Destination unknown
solar sails wide unfurled
riding on the ion beam
a safe haven: far beyond space and time.
Ice crystals formed within the cells
the veins devoid of blood
the memory deleted
the entire past extinguished
Being – between dream and death
is there an awakening?
is there any hope?
Ahead: Clouds and cosmic dust
behind them perhaps
a vast galaxy
star systems, and suns
planets, that are bathed in the warmth of clear light –
A taped wake-up call:
new lands!
behind it perhaps:
a void
This is how ASTROPOETICON begins: 16 space poems by Herbert W. Franke written in 1979. They explore the physical laws governing the cosmos and the evolutionary processes within it, culminating in the emergence of intelligence and the meaning of life. The foundation launched a multimedia project as a special tribute to Herbert W. Franke. It is based on a cycle of these sixteen poems that Herbert W. Franke wrote in 1979 for an art book showing works by the space artist Andreas Nottebohm. The poems were now translated into English by James Ginzburg and narrated by Eric Ash in a studio recording. The foundation invited generative artists from three continents. Each artist will transform one of the spoken poems into an immersive multimedia world honoring the 100th birthday of the visionary.
Joshua Davis (USA)
Joshua is an American pioneer of generative art and creative coding. Since the mid-1990s, he has used algorithms and code to create complex visual artworks. He programs his own algorithms, often using Processing or Flash, which employ mathematical rules to generate dynamic abstractions and multimedia works. Through his film studio, he has also designed visuals and stage designs for artists such as Taylor Swift, Kanye West, Tool and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I am honored that he is part of the project.
Joshua’s statement: I started writing code to make art back in 1994. At the time I had no idea if others pioneered this way of thinking. So, I started doing my due diligence and was thrilled to find all the people before me who were paving the way for us to express ourselves this way. I am not only truly grateful to be part of this project but also humbled to even be considered for this collaboration.
Mario Carrillo (Mexico)
Mario is a Mexican artist working with code to create moving images that explore states of perception. He is interested in how we interpret information through compositions that combine geometry, organic forms, color, motion and rhythm. His practice uses computation as a form of expression, engaging with technology through an experimental and creative approach. His work can be classified as both computer art and Op Art. Carrillo’s visual art has been presented across America, Europe, and Asia, including at institutions and festivals such as the Barbican Centre, Salzburg Easter Festival, and DOK Leipzig.
ario’s statement: Being invited to participate in ASTROPOETICON for Herbert W. Franke’s 100th birthday is both an honor and deeply meaningful to me, as it fosters a sense of connection to one of the great pioneers who shaped the foundations of computer art. The project stands as a testament to how artists from around the world can converge, bringing diverse perspectives to reinterpret Franke’s literary work. I am particularly excited to engage with his poetry and create a piece that reflects and honors his legacy. Foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to the Herbert W. Franke Foundation and Susanne Päch for their continued dedication to preserving and celebrating his contributions to the field.
Saeko Ehara (Japan)
Saeko is a Tokyo-based Jananese Artist whose practice centers on the aesthetics and emotional resonance of “Kirakira.” It describes an aesthetic characterized by brilliance and it is deeply rooted in Japanese pop culture. Inspired by childhood memories of collecting shimmering objects and immersive moments of play, her work reflects a sense of wonder and timelessness. Saeko works with AI and generative art, she explores a balance between human intention and algorithmic autonomy, allowing systems to shape the final expression. She has exhibited internationally in digital art contexts and aims to expand “Kirakira art” as a shared sensory experience.
Julius Horsthius (Netherlands)
Julius is a digital artist renowned for his mesmerizing fractal animations that blend abstract complexity with cinematic beauty. He continues to push the boundaries of fractal art in both physical and digital spaces, exploring new frontiers in immersive storytelling and virtual reality. His unique visual language has captivated audiences worldwide. His work has been exhibited and showcased in many immersive installations and fulldome theaters around the world. Julius, I am honored that you are participating.
Julius‘ Statement:
For my fractal work, I’ve always looked for ways to connect the abstract nature of the animations with more tangible concepts. Using scientific poetry blends so wonderfully with these visuals that it feels like a very natural progression, one that I love to work with. I hope that Herbert W Franke’s writings can give my fractals new context and meaning.
loackme (France/Netherlands)
loackme is a French generative artist currently based in Amsterdam. After completing his PhD in Statistics and working as a researcher for some time, he made the decision to leave academia in 2018 and pursue his passion for digital art and graphic design. loackme’s artistic practice is characterised by his love for monochrome and geometric designs, as well as animated loops. Amongst other things, he’s a self-professed ‘dither enthusiast’, using various dithering algorithms to create the illusion of a wide range of colours (or shades of grey) from a limited palette. The strong aesthetics and constraints associated with these algorithms are a constant source of inspiration for him.
Loackme’s statement:
As a mathematician by trade with a deep-seated love for speculative and science fiction, it is a profound honor to contribute to this celebration of Herbert W. Franke’s legacy.
Markus Kanzler (Germany)
Markus, known as Marterium, is a German digital artist who explores form and color as distinct languages, turning abstract ideas into captivating compositions. He sees digital art as a collaboration between humans and machines. With a background in psychology, he launched Marterium in 2019 and entered cryptoart in 2020, creating work for clients like Apple, Zedd, and PayPal. His goal is to evoke emotions and inspire through beauty while staying low-profile. Unintentionally acting as a creative therapist.
Markus’ Statement: I’m deeply honored to be one of just 16 artists chosen for ASTROPOETICON, giving me the chance to visually interpret one of Herbert W. Franke’s poems. Franke was a true pioneer who shaped the very foundations of computer graphics and generative art – a visionary who fused technology, science, and creativity decades before digital tools became widespread. For me, joining this project feels like a personal bridge to that remarkable legacy, connecting my own exploration of form, color, and emotion directly to the roots of the medium I love.