Artwork
Pathway Series, Bird 2
Pathway Series, Bird 2 is a drawing by Roman Verostko. It dates from 1990 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
The Pathway Series, Bird 2 is a drawing by Roman Verostko. It's from 1990.
Roman Verostko was one of the first artists to experiment with algorithmic art. He used a computer to generate his drawings, and even adapted a pen plotter to hold a Chinese brush.
You can learn more about the technique of algorithmic art and its pioneers by looking up the artist Roman Verostko.
Overview
Pathway Series, Bird 2 is a 1990 drawing by Roman Verversto, an American artist noted for his early work in algorithmic art. The piece combines computer‑generated lines with a single brushstroke produced by a modified pen plotter, creating a layered composition of geometric and gestural elements.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts an abstracted bird motif rendered through a network of fine pen‑and‑ink lines that suggest feathers or a stylized form. A solitary brushstroke, echoing the same gestural rhythm, overlays the intricate lattice, inviting viewers to consider the interaction between precise computation and human‑like expression.
Technique & Style
Verversto programmed a custom algorithm to direct a pen plotter, which was further adapted to hold a Chinese brush. The plotter executed both the dense field of small lines and three precisely positioned rectangles, while the brushstroke was generated in a single, continuous motion, merging digital precision with traditional brush technique.
History & Provenance
Created in 1990, Bird 2 belongs to the Pathway Series, a body of work exploring movement and transition through algorithmic processes. The piece reflects Verversto’s ongoing collaboration with the Algorists, a loosely defined group of artists active since the 1960s who shared an interest in bespoke software for art production.
Context
During the late twentieth century, artists increasingly incorporated computers into their practice, challenging conventional notions of authorship and medium. Verversto’s integration of a brush into a plotter system exemplifies this period’s experimental spirit, bridging the gap between mechanical reproduction and the tactile qualities of painting.
Artist & collection
Artist
Roman Verostko spent years hand-coding his drawings, like a programmer who never left the art studio.
