Core77

A Recent History of Writing and Drawing, on display at the Institute of Contemporary Arts until August 31, 2008, is an exhibition that explores the evolving relationship between technologies of communication and their users. It is a project by the programmer / designer Jurg Lehni and the graphic designer Alex Rich, curated by design historian Emily King, and involves a variety of interactive and non-interactive devices for writing and drawing.

more after the jump.

The centrepiece of the exhibition is Viktor, (younger brother to Hektor, recently on view at MOMA's Design & the Elastic Mind) a large wall-drawing machine that is controlled by an adapted version of ordinary design software and powered by small industrial motors.

On Thursday evenings the gallery will host a variety of speakers which include designers, artists and musicians who are themselves known for using technologies in more or less orthodox ways. During these events Viktor will trace accompanying material on the gallery wall, the image remaining in place for the following week.

Other exhibits include a machine for creating hole-punched posters, and a specially-adapted handheld printer, and all of the works will allow visitors to explore the relationship between technology and expression.