A.A.Murakami’s generative code powers a customized knitting machine – a technological “clam” that prints out hundreds of lines of textile, much like a mollusc builds its shell pattern.
The hardware is based on a 1980s Brother knitting machine. The plastic cases, circuit boards and wiring have been removed and reverse engineered, creating a new custom electronic system. This allows real time interaction with the generative code and knitting machine hardware, within which patterns are stored, successfully achieving the artists’ brief to bridge digital pattern making with tactile materials.
While the public can operate the machine through a minimalist interface of machined aluminium knobs, and a high definition colour screen unit running specially constructed software, the hardware can be controlled over a wireless connection to stop and start the machine remotely.
A.R.T installed the work in an isolated industrial unit in the unforgiving Texas wilderness for Desert Threads: Weaving Tradition and Technology, an art event organised by Paris based studio Trame.
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