The breaking down of barriers between disciplines was an important factor. Uniquely in the UK in a gallery setting, it featured collaborations between artists and scientists, and showed these to be on an equal footing. There had been exhibitions of machines before, but CS was the first gallery show of its type. Archival inkjet print, 58 x 66 cm.Ĭybernetic Serendipity (CS) was the first comprehensive international exhibition in Britain devoted to exploring the relationship between new computing technology and the arts. There can be few artists working in the 21st century who are not touched by some aspect of digital presence in their work. Fifty years on, the historical relevance of this groundbreaking show continues in our digitally driven world in almost everything we visually (and even aurally) consume – from CGI and special effects seen in Hollywood blockbusters to design encountered in our everyday lives and, of course, in fine arts. It is still considered to be the benchmark computer art exhibition for its influence on many pioneers, as well as for introducing the subject to a wider audience.

The impact of the pioneering exhibition Cybernetic Serendipity at London’s Institute of Contemporary Arts in 1968 should not be underestimated. Cybernetic Serendipity: History and Lasting Legacy Catherine Mason considers the ICA’s groundbreaking computer art exhibition of 1968 and looks at how it has shaped digital art in the 50 years since

Peter plotter drawing 1965 programming