Early computer graphics

These two publications reported new developments in the computer graphics arts field during the 70s/80s.
Recently an online collaborative project called “RecodeProject” is bringing back some os these early computer graphics explorations by translating it to a modern programming language (Processing) and make it available to the public. Check the gallery with all the translations made until now.

P-226/C (PAGE 43, Jan. 1980)

By Manfred Morh, 1978

“The graph of a 4-D hypercube is divided into 4 groups of 8 lines each. Every group contains one randomly chosen but distinct edge of the 8 cubes inherent to a hypercube. These groups are placed in the form of a 4×4 matrix, so that the sum of all chosen edges adds up to the complete structure in all directions.” Read more here.

Poem-Field (PAGE 43, Jan. 1980)

3 frames from computer generated films by Stan Van Der Beek and Kenneth C. Knowlton. Read more here.

Turtle geometry (PAGE 51, Spring 1985)

By Chris Steele

“A surprising richness of surface waves can be achieved by forming the sum of a few simple sine waves that match the true physical behaviour of water.” Read more here.

The programming choreographer (COMPUTER GRAPHICS & ARTS, Feb 1977)
An article by Analivia Cordeiro about the potential of the use of the computer in choreography where is explained how the use of computer can help dancers and choreographers to achieve new notation forms and aesthetic results.

An example of visual effects, in which the dancer moves as a white form with horizontal white lines. Read more here.

Computer displays optically superimposed on input devices (COMPUTER GRAPHICS & ARTS, May 1977)
An article by Dr. Kenneth C. Knowlton reporting about his research at Bell laboratories. In the article are demonstrated a series of proposal for augmented reality interfaces where digital information is superimposed over physical buttons.

Scheme demonstrating the superimposing of a computer display on a series of physical buttons.

Close-up of TV screen, mirror and 12×10 set of buttons.

An operator reads the informations on the mirror and pushes buttons. Read more here.

A pragmatic approach t computer animation process (COMPUTER GRAPHICS & ARTS, Nov 1977)
A state of the art about animation processes with computers by James R. Warner.

Rotating hypercube by A.Michael Noll

Illustration by Evans and Sutherland demonstrating the versatility of THE PICTURE SYSTEM for applications in architecture, city planning and urban design. Read more here.

NCC ‘76 Art Exhibition New York City (COMPUTER GRAPHICS & ARTS, Nov 1976)
Catalogue of computer art works exhibited in New York in 1976.

Manfred Mohr, “The cubic limit series”.

E.Zajec, “The Cube: Theme and variation series”. Read more here.