Important books, many in English for the first time, published by DKV and the Foundation
+++ Volume 1: Kunst und Konstruktion /Art and Construction
+++ Volume 2: Computergrafik – Computerkunst / Computer Graphics – Computer Art
+++ with supplementary articles by Franke from the ZKM manuscript database, translated into English for the first time
+++ including scientific commentaries, including those by Margit Rosen and Grant D. Taylor
The basic concept of the Edition Herbert W. Fanke
Each volume of the edition consists of Franke’s main work, supplemented by around 10 articles by Franke, a selection of his works translated into English from2000 manuscripts, which are already available in German in the ZKM online archive. Each one reveals his perspective on a specific aspect of the book and his thoughts on the subject as they developed over several decades. Some of them make a direct reference to the other works in the edition. Last, but not least, two authors comment on the book and its author as a bridge builder between science and art from different scientific disciplines. The supplementary articles and scientific contributions are printed in English only, while the text of the original book is bilingual. All volumes are richly illustrated, with editor Susanne Päch attempting to use the original image material as far as possible.
Scientific comments: Kunst und Konstruktion /Art and Construction
The art historian Margit Rosen, head of the ZKM department Knowledge – Collections, Archives and Research, examines in her article the significance of the book Art and Construction, which has largely been forgotten over the decades. In her view, it was a pioneering work of modern art theory in 1957. Rosen also highlights Franke’s role in relation to contemporary art trends. She states: “Franke’s assertion of the artistic substance of technology acquires a prophetic resonance” and explains his view that analytical thinking is relevant not only for the production but also for the reception of art. Shortly thereafter, this led Franke to his information and perception theory considerations of a rational art model, which was first published in 1967 with Phänomen Kunst (Phenomenon Art). It will be also part of this edition.
In the second contribution to the volume, quantum physicist and computer artist Eric de Giuli focuses primarily on the aesthetic laws presented by Franke in the book, which Franke also derives in mathematical detail from his own artistic works: “In Art and Construction, Franke worked with minimalist compositions derived from transparent processes … so the aesthetic effect could be traced back to their laws. This led him to his key concept: continuity.” Later, Franke equated this principle of continuity in aesthetics with that of symmetry, and surmised that it had not become as well known due to its mathematical complexity.
Scientific comments: Computerkunst / Computer Graphics – Computer Art
The media historian Grand D. Taylor decribes the book in his article as „a groundbreaking achievement, a pioneering survey, and a lasting testament to the creative possibilities of emerging technologies“. Taylor emphasizes the enduring nature of the publication, which remains relevant to generative art to this day, when he writes: “Franke’s vision has significantly contributed to the definition of the field, and his legacy continues to influence our comprehension of the dynamic interplay among the realms of art, science, and technology.“ The computer scientist Martin Warnke takes a look at the time when the book was created, when computer artists were not considered relevant in the conventional art world, and also contextualizes the book’s significance in the current landscape: „Franke’s theories and observations from that time could provide explanatory approaches for today.“