Antony Cairns, IBM LDN4_20 (2019)

This event is part of our Past Programme

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An abstract, hard edged interior architectural structure printed as a black and white negative image on top of over 100 computer data cards, all laid side-by-side to form one picture.

This work is part of a series depicting sites in London at night. The image here has been shot on 35mm, with the negative partially developed, solarised and manipulated during processing. The scanned positive is then ink-jet printed onto redundant computer punch cards sourced by the artist. In this way, the resulting work is a hybrid of digital and analogue processes.

Antony Cairns (b. 1980) has exhibited internationally and self-published a range of photobooks to date including LDN, LDN E1 and TYO2 glass. He is represented by Roman Road.

This artwork featured as part of the Touchstone programme (2012-2020). Each display consisted of a single photographic work on the Eranda studio floor where visitors were invited to respond to the question 'What do you see?' using the cards and pencils provided. A bench was placed in front of the work, encouraging people to spend a little longer than they might usually. The programme was part of a wider series of projects and activities related to visual literacy.

A selection of audience responses to the question 'What do you see?'

Postcard with writing. Postcard with writing. Postcard with writing. Postcard with writing. Postcard with pencil drawing of shaded rectangles in grid formation. Postcard with writing. Postcard with writing. Postcard with writing. Postcard with writing.

Installation and details of Antony Cairns, IBM LDN4_20 © Tim Bowditch

Room with wooden bench in front of framed artwork and person posting card in a wooden box. Detail of artwork made up of computer cards printed with black and white abstract shapes. Close up of artwork showing pins, computer cards printed with black and white shapes and rows of numbers.