Brian T. Sullan, born 1957 in Mattoon, Illinois; B. F. A. degree in painting from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1979; M.F.A. degree in painting and drawing from Northern Illinois University in 1982; practicing artist since 1987 and teacher in the areas of art history, desktop publishing and computer graphics; exhibitions dedicated to computer art, including previous Prix Ars Electronica 1987, 1989, and 1990.

Coming from a background in studio arts, I am interested in using the computer as a powerful alternative to traditional studio methods. We have already witnessed the computer's potential in the commercial fields of graphic design, television, film, and scientific visualization, but are just beginning to see its potential for the fine arts. The programs I write allow me to use the computer as an 'electronic sketch book' to sort through endless variations on a central theme to extract images which suit my formal sensibility.

The computer allows me the opportunity to create complex abstract compositions that would be extremely difficult and time-consuming to create on canvas. I desire to create a synthesis of painterly and structural styles, seeking both a compatibility and tension between them at the same time.

I enjoy both programming the computer directly as well as using commercial desktop publishing and graphics software. Having the computer free me from the manual process of making the artwork frees me to experiment at will and concentrate on the conceptual nature of the work.

Technical Background

HW: Ast Premium 286, Targa 16
SW: Microsoft, Hallo 88