Desmond Paul Henry / DRAWING MACHINES

Desmond Paul Henry
Desmond Paul Henry's peerless parabolas a pioneer in generative art. Born on July 5th, 1921, Desmond Paul Henry was a visionary exponent of the synergy between art and technology. He pioneered the concept of using computers for interactive graphic manipulation. His analog computer-derived drawing machines from the 1960s serve as a crucial bridge between the Mechanical Age and the Digital Age. Henry constructed three electro-mechanical drawing machines from modified bombsight analogue computers (a technology primarily used in World War II bombers to calculate the precise release of bombs onto their targets). His drawing machines were not merely functional; they were intricately designed systems that combined gears, belts, cams, and differentials. Each machine took up to six weeks to construct. The resulting drawings, each creating a symphony of lines and curves, could take from two hours to two days to complete. Powering these machines required an external electric source, driving one or two servo motors that coordinated the motions of the suspended drawing implements.
 
Henry's electromechanical drawing machines embraced the unpredictable beauty born from the "mechanics of chance" like the works of artist Jean Tinguely. However, his creations also allowed for interactivity, allowing for personal and artistic input during the drawing process. During this period, he created around 800 machine-drawings, each an infinitely varied combination of repetitive single lines forming abstract curves. Some of these works were exhibited in 2019 at the “Automat und Mensch – A History of AI and Generative Art” exhibition at Kate Vass Galerie, along with other historically significant generative artworks.