P-122-N, Scratch code by Manfred Mohr

P-122-N, Scratch code1972

Computer generated algorithmic pen plotter drawing, ink on paper15 3/4 x 15 3/4 in / 40 x 40 cm, unframed ; 22.5 x 22.5 in / 57.2 x 57.2 cm, framed

This particular drawing is part of Mohr's early algorithmic work phase (1969-72), which emphasized a "formalism" of the software medium: logical and automatic construction of pictures. Typical of his early algorithmic work, this piece links line to language, process and conceptual systems. Mohr calculated the image using a program that he authored in the FORTRAN language. Long-standing is Mohr's interest in signs and automatic writing. The concept for this drawing is based on rules that define an abstract text or script. Lines touching the horizontal base line are associated to the numbers 0-9. Lines which do not touch the horizontal base line and therefore are between 2 vertical lines are associated to the letters of the alphabet A-Z. Letters and numbers are chosen randomly, thus creating a random text.

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P-122-N, Scratch code by Manfred Mohr, 1972