Charles Mattox (American, 1910–1996) Abstract plotter drawing (proof)
Computer-generated plotter drawing, white ink on dark gray paper
43.8 × 52.1 cm
Edition of 10, this impression 1/10
Signed "Mattox" lower right
Collection of Bre Pettis
PION.2026.8152
Description
Charles Mattox (American, 1910–1996)
Untitled, c. 1970–72
Computer-generated plotter drawing, white ink on dark gray paper
Edition of 10, this impression 1/10
Signed "Mattox" in pencil, lower right; numbered "1/10" in pencil, lower left
Approximately 20½ × 17¼ in.
Two triangular forms rendered as dense fields of straight line segments, drawn at closely spaced intervals along the edges of larger triangles so that the lines crowd into the appearance of curved, sail-like surfaces — a line-envelope construction characteristic of pen-plotter output from this period. The precision and repetition of the linework point to programmatic, machine-driven execution rather than freehand drawing, consistent with Mattox's work exploring computer-generated imagery during his years on the University of New Mexico faculty, where he collaborated with engineers on early plotter and mainframe-driven art systems. The specific program used to generate this drawing (such as the DART1 system developed with David Caulkins, or the Art1 system developed with Richard Williams) has not been confirmed and is not stated here as fact.
