Geoff Davis Micro Arts Group

The generative art for MA1 Abstract Originals was coded by Geoff Davis in 1983 and released on data cassette in 1984 by the his Micro Arts Group. The series of seven longform generative artworks was distributed by post or directly. In 1985 most of the Micro Arts work was published on the UK's Prestel teletext (like Minitel). The series name "Abstract Originals" in quotes references the debate on whether algorithmic computer art is art and the role of human creativity, which still continues today. This piece Lines was the very first to appear in the series and has a bold and vibrant appeal, with confident fast movement. Geoff Davis was inspired by the experimental film and video art scene in London at the time, and the communicative energy of the music scene. Independent of academia, Micro Arts Group reached new places with a community approach. In the 1980s computer technology was changing from black and white to colour, in the first modern digital decade.