Micro Arts History 1984–85 Computer Generated Art and Stories

In this exciting and colourful book, find out about the origins of modern generated  computer art and graphics, including AI text generation done the old way.

"Micro Arts has produced some stunningly original work." Personal Computer World 1985.

A lot of new digital technology arrived in the 1980s, including microcomputers or micros, cheap personal computers for home use.

"I think this period is something of a lost era in digital art. It's definitely a good idea to be engaging with it. " Sean Clark, Computer Arts Society, Fellow BCS 2019

Complete with many colour images from the genrated art and animations, scans of the complete print magazine, and examples of generated stories from the text program.

Micro Arts released many computer art compilations on cassettes, with generative abstract art, story text generators ('Cow Boils Head'), SCUM Manifesto feminist animation (Valerie Solanas), Duchamp animations, slow art and math/data art. All of the art programs, and many articles from the Micro Arts print magazine, were placed on Prestel teletext in 1985, so the software could be downloaded nationally from a TV set.

 "The alternative society is still throbbing at Micro Arts." Sinclair User 1985.

Micro Arts artists also created video titles for clubs like Manchester's Hacienda, Sheffield's Leadmill, and Network21, the infamous late night pirate TV channel featuring icons like Leigh Bowery, Body Map and the London alternative fashion scene.

A mix of art, new technology, the club scene, and education, Micro Arts was an exciting part of the computer democratisation of the 1980s. This illustrated book is an illuminating and informative look into the 1980s micro computer scene, with the arrival of the all-new Sinclair ZX Spectrum, BBC Micro, Apple Macintosh, the IBM PC, alongside a gaudy and extrovert visual culture. The book has images from the unique art programs and a detailed history of Micro Arts, a full copy of the first and only edition of the print magazine, and contemporary reviews and context. There is also a gallery of stills from the many generative computer art programs.

 "Inspiring. All worth thinking about and testing for yourself." A&B Computing 1985.

Geoff Davis, the founder of Micro Arts, has taught computer graphics at UK universities including Sheffield Hallam University, Psalter Lane Art College and the London University of the Arts. He has a Masters in Electronic Arts from Middlesex University (Cat Hill campus, 2003). He also works extensively in the computer industry, originally as a programmer, later becoming a web technical director and app producer (Notes Story Board v2.2 latest). He is now (2019) a researcher at the Creative Computing Institute, part of the University of Arts London UAL.