Beginning as an experiment in how to visualise computer algorithms in print, Oswin Tickler’s Fusing Frontiers project has resulted in HP Spark, a new exploratory printing process and software developed in collaboration with HP Indigo. Tickler’s creative journey has also been documented via a series of printed objects produced with the help of digital print specialists FE Burman and Fedrigoni.
Realising that no software existed that could produce what he wanted, Tickler taught himself to code and began to explore the possibilities of digital printing processes that could bring creative coding to the printed page. ‘There was no information out there to tell me if this was or wasn’t possible,’ he explains in a short film about the project.
Having developed his own software with HP Indigo, Tickler made a launch publication: ‘I wasn’t just interested in the aesthetics of it, but in the way in which the software might inform, change or challenge the way in which we communicate.’
The resulting package, a series of colourful postcards, maps and booklets housed in a printed box, is ‘a starting point’ for creative exploration and generative art. All the papers used are from the Fedrigoni Digital for HP Indigo® collection and certified by HP Indigo®. The print materials are designed to encourage people to try out the software and Tickler hopes that its appeal might reach beyond brands to creative coders and artists who can use it as part of their practice. He says: ‘One particularly interesting aspect is the notion of giving up some aspects of control, and embracing the chaos and surprise that can come from this approach!’
Exhibition (14-22 July 2022) Fedrigoni London Studio, 67 Clerkenwell Rd, London EC1R 5BL, UK
Workshops: (15, 18, 20 and 22 July 2022)
Video: Oswin and the Algorithm
Paper
Tintoretto Gesso 300gsm
Sirio Color Dark Blue 290gsm
Splendorgel Extra White 115gsm
Arena Extra White Rough 170gsm
Arena Extra White Smooth 170gsm
Arena Extra White Smooth 80gsm
X-Per White 320gsm
Sirio Ultra Black 280gsm
Sirio Color Lampone 290gsm
Materica Kraft 250gsm
Software: Guy Bibi, Amir Gaash, Bashar Hajhamad at HP Indigo and Oswin Tickler.