The first ever exhibition of computer generated art was held at the Howard Wise Gallery in New York, in April 1965. It was entitled “Computer Generated Pictures”, as people agreed that the potentially dehumanising influence of the computer prevented the pieces in the show from being considered ‘art’ in the true sense of the word.
The computer has since become a central feature of much contemporary art, be it in the execution, reconfiguration or reproduction of work. Entire artistic disciplines like algorithm art, software art and digital illustration have evolved with computers at their very core.
This article takes a closer look at seven contemporary pieces where computers have been used to fascinating and often beautiful effect.
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by Andy on May 27, 2009
in How To
Invisible ink is the stuff of romantic legend. Spies and clandestine lovers alike have used it for centuries to convey hidden messages to their partners. Although invisible ink is still used today for these purposes, it has taken on many more practical and fascinating roles in recent years.
Hundreds of liquids, from fruit juices to specially formulated chemicals, can be used as invisible ink. Here we explore six of the most interesting and accessible types. We hope you’ll be inspired to make your own invisible ink at home. With a bit of practice, you too can become a master of steganography (which is the art of writing hidden messages, in case you didn’t know that already!)
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The library has played a key role in the dissemination of information and knowledge throughout history. Access to collections such as those housed in Alexander’s Great Library and the lesser Chetham’s Library was a catalyst for change and the technological advance of mankind long before the digital age when knowledge was truly democratised for the masses.
Image: ailatan
We tend to take for granted the notion that the people of the world can or should be taught to read. The ability to read is even used as an indicator of poverty and development. In 1998, the UN defined 80% of the world population as literate, defined as the ability to read and write a simple sentence in a language.
It was not always thus. In ancient times, literacy was the trade secret of professional scribes. A few centuries later, in Europe, literacy was defined as the ability to read and write in Latin. Later still, the bar was lowered, and people were considered literate if they could sign their names: in 1841, 33% of all Englishmen and 44% of Englishwomen signed marriage certificates with their mark.
Public libraries can be intimidating places, designed for the intellectual elite and fiercely guarded by librarians. In biblical times, Assyrian librarians put a curse on anyone who damaged the manuscripts: “May the gods put his flesh in a dog’s mouth.”
Today, in what has been called the ‘information society’, anyone with internet access has the key to a world of knowledge. Storage has ceased to be a problem. The truly universal library has arrived.
But long before the days of Google Book Search and the Amazon Kindle was the library, a place of learning and advancement. Here are seven of the most impressive libraries in history, places of intrigue and inspiration.
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by Andy on June 5, 2009
in Fun
Inks have come a long way and are now being used in ever more inventive ways including the manufacture of organic solar cells, RFID tags and even artificial bones.
I’ll be the first to admit, this isn’t the first article I’ve ever written about weird inks, and judging by the speed at which new and endlessly creative inks are being introduced onto the market, I’m pretty sure it won’t be my last.
Luckily for me, I couldn’t possibly get bored when inks that can be printed to form artificial bones and others that can transmit electric currents across human skin are being invented.
These are just 2 examples that are explored in more detail here. I’m pretty sure you’ll be fascinated too.
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by Abhinav Kaiser on July 2, 2009
in News
Japan based Konica Minolta Holding Inc has set itself high standards by announcing that the company predicts that the sale of its digital commercial printers would rise by two-fold in the next three years.
Konica Minolta Executive Officer Atsushi Kodama states that the jump can be achieved with their increased line of products in this segment and the expertise they have gained over the years.
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HP has jumped into a new segment of printing by launching their new printer which is connected to internet. The printer, HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web connects to the web allowing users to directly browse the internet (on the printer) and print whatever they need, all of this without a PC.
This printer is perhaps the first one to be able to connect to the internet and print directly off it. A 4.3″ LCD screen is the gateway to the web for users.
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by Abhinav Kaiser on June 25, 2009
in Printers
Lexmark has launched a new compact monochrome laser printer in E360dn. It is aimed at small work groups who are basically concerned about black prints without any need for jazzy accessories.
Yet, the features on it is comparable to many printers in this segment. It comes with automatic duplex printing by default and is network enabled.
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Xerox has launched a new laser product in Phaser 6280V/DN. This printer prints in both black and colour and is definitely not a multi-function printer, just to break the trend.
The printer offers a best resolution of 600 X 600 X 4 dpi which is perhaps the best possible resolution for an office / home laser printer as of the time of writing.
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The leader in 3D printing, Objet Geometries has launched a new 3D printer in Connex 350. Their first one was the Connex 500 which received several accolades from top journals and associations.
Like its predecessor, this printer leverages upon PolyJet Matrix Technology which is known to produce the closest replica of the 3D image with a finesse touch. Some reviewers had stated that the end product from the former resembled very much like the original and sometimes it was difficult to differentiate between the two.
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by Abhinav Kaiser on June 17, 2009
in Printers
Brother has introduced a new laser multi-function printer into the market, DCP-8085DN. The printer has a longish look and is designed for small and medium workgroups.
The printer comes with a 250 page paper tray and a special media tray that can handle media up to 169 gsm. At an extra cost, an optional 500 page paper tray can be hooked on.
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by Abhinav Kaiser on June 15, 2009
in Printers
A new printer has been introduced in HP Premium Fax All-in-One line, the HP Photosmart C309. The new photosmart printer is a successor of HP Photosmart C8180 and is a printer that can perform umpteen number of functions. It’s basically a home printer that can be adapted to small and medium offices.
Print resolution in black is average at 600 X 600 dpi but the resolution shoots vertically upwards at 9600 x 2400 dpi for colour prints. The manufacturer claims that the printer is capable of producing lab quality photo prints. The printer features five individual colour cartridges; black, photo black, cyan, magenta and yellow which is an economical solution by itself.
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Canon UK has launched a new compact printer in Selphy CP790. This dye sublimation thermal printer is an offshoot of its Selphy predecessors but offers better printing quality along with a host of new functions.
The best possible resolution on this printer is 300 X 300 dpi. The printer optionally carries paper cassettes that allows the printer to function with paper sizes of 10cm X 20cm along with credit-card size (5.4cm X 8.6cm) media. It is also capable of producing credit card sized stickers.
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by Abhinav Kaiser on June 10, 2009
in News
The legendary Personal Computer World (PCW) magazine has finally ended; an era that made dreams into reality has catapulted under the banner - recession. Incisive Media called it quits earlier this week and the August month edition will be the last of its kind.
The company blames the downfall with this four worded phrase - unprecedented adverse economic climate.
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by Abhinav Kaiser on June 9, 2009
in News
Yes, Samsung Electronics Corporation is certainly thinking out of the box and is offering its business customers an option to lease printers rather than buy it. So, in essence, the business will always end up being a user rather than an owner. However, the concept adds value when we categorize printers as a fast changing technology and thereby a short shelf life and a quick obsolescence.
Samsung offers 0% financing scheme during the agreement period which ensures that businesses would pay the company on a regular basis at no extra cost towards EMIs. When the lease period comes to an end, companies have a choice to either upgrade to a newer printer, or extend the agreement, or to buy it outright subject to a small final fee.
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