CHESTER VISUAL ARTS REVEALS NEW ARTIST COMMISSIONS

Chester Visual Arts (CVA) is thrilled to launch two exciting interactive commissions from Chester-based artists Robin Hunter and Emma Lucy.

Both works are inspired by the major V&A touring exhibition ‘Chance and Control: Art in the Age of Computers’, which CVA brought to Chester in 2019. They are part of CVA’s Learning Programme which encourages arts engagement and participation in Cheshire by working with artists, schools, youth organisations and adult learners.

CVA’s aim is that adults, children and families will engage and enjoy these original cultural activities created by local artists, whether at a computer or as a printed colouring sheet.

Robin Hunter’s Adventures in 10 Print enables users to create playful, maze-like pattern drawings using a classic computer art algorithm. The original 10 Print algorithm started life as a one-liner party trick on the Commodore 64. It randomly printed a forward or backward slash that filled the screen. In Adventures in 10 Print, users control the visual rules, such as the line size and colour, generating original designs each time. It’s fun, simple to use - and highly addictive!

Aimed at younger children and their families, Emma Lucy has created a series of vibrant colouring sheets and accompanying crossword that celebrates the history of computer art, as explored in Chance and Control: Art in the Age of Computers. Referencing key artworks and technologies used by the pioneers of digital art, Emma has used her signature illustrative flair to create an engaging educational activity for all the family.

Robin and Emma’s commissions are launched as the charity continues to develop its plans to support artists and realise high-quality exhibitions and projects in the coming year. Launching the commissions, Ian Short, Chairman of Chester Visual Arts, remarked:

“Thanks to Robin and Emma for creating two exciting and original works for our Learning Programme. Inspired by key themes of the Chance and Control: Art in the Age of Computers exhibition, these Digital Artbox commissions reflect CVA’s continued interest in how digital technologies and the arts can stimulate new creative thinking. Importantly, we are pleased to launch these works online while social restrictions temporarily limit our public-facing activities.”

Melissa Dilworth, Learning Programme Manager at Chester Visual Arts, added:

“We are thrilled to offer world-class creative activities, for Cheshire and beyond. Through our Learning Programme, we provide many opportunities for students and adults to engage with the arts, on many different levels. The first tools added to our Digital Artbox by Emma and Robin are simply fantastic. We hope you enjoy them and please share with us on social media.”

For media queries please contact Ian Short on: 07973 419091

For more information please visit: https://www.chestervisualarts.org.uk/learning/digital-artbox-commissions/ 

Pictured - Emma Lucy’s drawing