Angewandte Informatik
Karin Sander's work at the University of Bayreuth, specifically in the new building for Applied Computer Science, is an impressive example of how contemporary art can merge with architecture and technology. The installation, completed in 2008, transforms the walls of the entrance foyer into a canvas displaying the XML-SVG source code of the building, making visible the underlying data and numerical systems that form the basis of its architectural design.
The artwork is a testament to Sander's ongoing exploration of the interface between art, architecture, and digital representation. By presenting the XML-SVG code—a language used to describe two-dimensional vector graphics—Sander invites viewers to engage with the structural essence of the building in a way that is both abstract and deeply technical. The code, which includes coordinates, line widths, and font specifications, serves as a visual and conceptual bridge between the physical structure and its digital design.
The execution of this project was carried out by the company 2K Werbetechnik, Höchstädt, which ensured that the complex details of the code were precisely reproduced on the walls. This meticulous approach underscores the precision and craftsmanship that go into both the architectural design and its artistic interpretation. The result is a visually appealing and intellectually stimulating environment that encourages viewers to question the relationship between form, function, and data.
Karin Sander's extensive academic and artistic career has significantly influenced her approach to this project. Following her studies at the Freie Kunstschule and the State Academy of Fine Arts in Stuttgart, as well as a DAAD scholarship in New York, Sander has developed a unique perspective on the intersection of art and technology. Her work as a professor at various renowned institutions, including the Kunsthochschule Berlin-Weissensee and ETH Zurich, has further deepened her ability to integrate complex theoretical frameworks into her artistic practice.
Karin Sander's installation at the University of Bayreuth is a powerful example of how art can reveal the hidden layers of architectural design and invite viewers to explore the interfaces between digital representation and physical space. Through her work, Sander continues to expand the boundaries of what art can achieve in dialogue with other disciplines, offering new perspectives on the built environment and its underlying systems.