PHYGITAL exhibition is, above all, an intent to explore important works by generative artists with various implementations, generated by the machine, bit by bit, infusing the pieces with more and more real-world complexity. The exhibition bridges the history of computer art by comparing significant works of pioneers such as Hans Dehlinger and Harold Cohen (machine drawings from the 80s) with contemporary artists, exploring the “aesthetic events” in the sense of Max Bense via generated graphics or by developing the analogue means of presenting a digital work, as an actual mechanical display in CTRL_DAT work by Ksawery Kirklewski.

TThe exhibition takes place at www.phygital.codes, a dedicated web-based space created by Kate Vass Galerie, to bring online interaction with the artworks to the fore, where, afterwards, physicality (as a sculpture or plotter drawing) of the code adds value to the realism from the inclusion of the texture and materiality to evoke sensory experience. 

Many have heard the new expression ‘phygital’ in the last couple of years. The hybridity of physical + digital experience got quickly incorporated into our everyday life. This marketing term, first coined by the Australian agency in 2013, is now widely used in various sectors, including art. 

Before the end of the 19th century, one can argue, most of us had only pure physical experiences. With technological and digital innovations based on connectivity between machines through networks and protocols developed at the end of the 20th century (www, HTML etc.), people have begun to communicate and emerge in the online digital space. Recent psychology studies show that our behaviour and interaction online & offline differ significantly. Therefore, both are essential as a combination inseparable through which we mediate our worlds, particularly when connecting with art.

Even though it did not happen all at once but has been taking place over decades, a rapture around technology gave a spawn, to so-called, generative art - a rich genre with a fascinating history as computing itself. Through the evolution of tech, generative art has worn many names. Still, the essence is always the attempt to put the machine as the leading creative, study the relationship between humans and technology, and question the role that the machine (device) plays in that