Benjamin Maus

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Every story tells a picture—or dozens of pictures, as in the work of Benjamin Maus (1984). The artist uses the computing language BASIC as a tool for generative graphics that transfer one set of data into active pieces of artwork. A graduate of Berlin University of the Arts, he splits his time between both Tokyo and Berlin. Until 2007 he was a bass player for the metal band Sepcys.

“Despite having a very technical background he believes that paradigms and preconceptions of existing and emerging technologies are not things that should be accepted and followed without questioning them. They should in fact be abused and repurposed to the maximum extent possible; and if there is not a suitable tool for a concept, you should create your own.” —Markku Nousiainen, “Artist Presenation: Benjamin Maus (Nov 30),” Pixelache.

“For him (Maus) there is no border between art and design; design is practical art.” —Markku Nousiainen, “Artist Presenation: Benjamin Maus (Nov 30),” Pixelache.

“In this printed chain of ideas, new visual connections and narrative layers emerge from the blend of contemporary plot and technological achievements. The result is a beautifully meandering tale that evolves all the way down the paper scroll—yet remains as cryptic and impenetrable as many of the patents themselves.”—Klanten, Robert, in regard to Perpetual Storytelling Apparatus. 2010. Data flow 2 :Visualizing information in graphic design. Berlin: Gestalten.

“We have urgent need to use visualization for socially relevant purposes.” —Andrew Vande Moere, Klanten, Robert. 2010. Data flow 2 :Visualizing information in graphic design. Berlin: Gestalten.

“Our ability to generate and acquire data has by far outpaced our ability to make sense of that data.” —Manuel Lima. Klanten, Robert. 2010. Data flow 2 :Visualizing information in graphic design. Berlin: Gestalten.