Pioneer Charles "Chuck" Csuri (1922-2022), was dubbed “The father of Computer Art” by both Smithsonian Magazine in 1995 and Artnews in 2022. As a professor, fine artist and computer scientist, his research and artistic vision led to advances in software that created new artistic tools for 3D computer graphics, computer animation, gaming and 3D printing - all in advance of their broad commercial applications. Starting in the 1960s, Csuri experimented with computer-based multimedia in the form of plotter drawings, canvas and screen prints, milling machine sculpture, holograms, animation, and now NFTs. His art is a record of advances in a digital artistic movement and creates a unique historic marker for the history of art + computer technology.

 

Csuri lived a life of remarkable achievement, as documented by CNN’s Portrait of America. As team captain of the Ohio State University (OSU) football team, he led his team to win the national championship in 1942. Csuri then fought in the Battle of the Bulge in 1945, receiving the Bronze Star medal for his heroism during World War II. After the war Csuri returned to Ohio, becoming the youngest professor at OSU with academic degrees in Fine Art, Engineering and Computer Science. Csuri also made history when he was the first fine artist to receive a major research grant from The National Science Foundation. In 1963, Csuri experimented with computer graphics technology, and in 1964 began creating the first computer animated films. He created the very first computer animation, Hummingbird, in 1967 which is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. After spearheading developments in the field of computer graphics, he created the world's first computer animation company, Cranston Csuri Productions in 1984. In addition to Portrait of America, Csuri's historic artistic and technological journey was featured on both The Today Show and Entertainment Tonight, as well as a cover feature in Smithsonian Magazine.

 

The seller of this Lot has informed Phillips that at the buyer’s written request, it will transfer to the buyer on a complimentary basis, a Non-Fungible Token (NFT) identifying a digital image of the physical artwork comprising this Lot Six Bearded Men.  To claim the NFT the buyer must (i) make the request within 30 days of the Closing Date of the auction and (ii) have paid for the Lot in full. Following Phillips’ receipt of the buyer’s payment for the Lot in full and cleared funds, Phillips will provide the buyer with the seller’s contact details for this purpose. 

 

Please note:

• The NFT does not form part of the Lot offered by Phillips and is not covered by Phillips’ Authorship Warranty.

• Phillips makes no representations or warranties about the NFT, its nature, condition, description, uniqueness, durability, or availability either now or in the future.

• Arrangements for the transfer of the NFT will be made directly between the seller and the buyer.  Phillips will not be involved and will at no stage have possession of or be responsible for any physical loss or damage to the NFT.