Created for the Herbert W. Franke Tribute, You, Me and the Machine creates typographic compositions using the underlying code which drives the work, reacting to the physical distance of the viewer to the work itself. The further the viewer is from the work, the more obfuscated and larger the text. As the viewer approaches, the composition becomes clearer and longer parts of the underlying source code are revealed. Through this work, Dawes aims to pay homage to Franke, particularly in his concept of the “social communication circle in art” and the circular nature of the work and the artist. You, Me and the Machine takes these ideas and creates a real-time interactive loop between the viewer and a transparent simulation of both its physical and digital systems. The Hebert W. Franke Tribute is curated by Anika Meier. Dawes will donate a percentage of proceeds to art meets science – Foundation Herbert W. Franke.

About Brendan Dawes

Brendan Dawes (B. 1966) uses generative processes involving data, machine learning, and code to create interactive installations, electronic objects, online experiences, data visualisations, motion graphics, and physical sculptures. Dawes draws much of his inspiration from popular culture and nature, often revolving his work around concepts of time and memory. These analytical explorations interrogate our understanding of the surrounding world.

An Alumni of the Lumen Prize and Aesthetica Art Prize, Dawes’ work has been featured in exhibitions worldwide, including Big Bang Data in thirteen cities, and three shows at MoMA, New York; the latter acquiring artwork Cinema Redux for their permanent collection. Following his Genesis NFT on KnownOrigin selling within the hour to legendary collector WhaleShark, Dawes released a collection on Nifty Gateway – selling out in under sixty seconds. He has also released work on MakersPlace, Foundation and SuperRare. His work has been auctioned at Sotheby’s Natively Digital: A Curated NFT Sale and Generative Art and The Future, an art exhibition in Shenzhen hosted by China’s largest auction house, Beijing Poly International Auction.