Think of Ivan Moscovich’s harmonograms as the work of a Spirograph toy on an acid trip – elegantly swirling, myriad-coloured ink pens driven by the gravity and precision mathematics of a Heath Robinson-esque analogue computer, conspiring to create beautifully nerdy, sci-fi vectors, azimuths and ellipses.
Moscovich’s creations caused quite a stir when they first appeared as key exhibits at the milestone 'Cybernetic Serendipity' exhibition at London’s ICA in 1968. The world-renowned author, artist and award-winning designer of teaching aids and puzzles had invented and patented the 'Harmonograph of Moscovich', a pens and pendulums machine which could generate infinite graphic configurations via the magic of kinetic technology. As a theory it all sounds rather geeky. On paper, Moscovich’s art is a bonafide modernist’s delight.
An example of Moscovich’s patented harmonographs
Almost 50 years after they first went on show in the capital, London-based art and antiques dealer Henry Saywell is bringing 'Harmonograms of Moscovich' back to town with an exhibition at The Hospital club in Covent Garden.
Now 90 years old and based in San Francisco, Moscovich himself was in attendance at the preview. And he has quite a story to tell. Born to Hungarian parents in the former Yugoslavia, Moscovich lived through the Novi Sad Razzia massacre of World War II, narrowly escaping mass execution at the riverbed of the Danube and then went on to survive Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen.
Following a death march, he spent his final night concealed in among corpses before being liberated by the British Army. After the war, he became the founder, creator, and later Director of the Museum of Science and Technology in Tel Aviv. Moscovich went on to explore his passion for science, writing, inventing, creating brain games, mentally stimulating toys and mind-boggling puzzles. His one-man-machine shows have been displayed at the Berlin Museum of Modern Art, Basel’s Didacta exhibition and the Science Museum Tel Aviv.
Moscovich’s creations caused quite a stir when they first appeared as key exhibits at the milestone ’Cybernetic Serendipity’ exhibition in 1968
INFORMATION
’Cybernetic Art’, in association with Henry Saywell, runs until 29 September. For more information, visit The Hospital club website
ADDRESS
The Hospital Club
24 Endell Street
London WC2H 9HQ
-
London label Wed Studio is embracing ‘oddness’ when it comes to bridal dressingThe in-the-know choice for fashion-discerning brides, Wed Studio’s latest collection explores the idea that garments can hold emotions – a reflection of designers Amy Trinh and Evan Phillips’ increasingly experimental approach
-
Arts institution Pivô breathes new life into neglected Lina Bo Bardi building in BahiaNon-profit cultural institution Pivô is reactivating a Lina Bo Bardi landmark in Salvador da Bahia in a bid to foster artistic dialogue and community engagement
-
Joy Gregory subverts beauty standards with her new exhibition at Whitechapel GalleryUnrealistic beauty standards hide ugly realities in 'Joy Gregory: Catching Flies with Honey '
-
Joy Gregory subverts beauty standards with her new exhibition at Whitechapel Gallery
Unrealistic beauty standards hide ugly realities in 'Joy Gregory: Catching Flies with Honey '
-
Bengi Ünsal steers London's ICA into an excitingly eclectic directionAs director of London’s Institute of Contemporary Arts, Bengi Ünsal is leading the cultural space into a more ambitious, eclectic and interdisciplinary space
-
Out of office: The Wallpaper* editors’ picks of the weekThe clocks have gone back in the UK and evenings are officially cloaked in darkness. Cue nights spent tucked away in London’s cosy corners – this week, the Wallpaper* team opted for a Latin-inspired listening bar, an underground arts space, and a brand new hotel in Shoreditch
-
Out of office: The Wallpaper* editors’ picks of the weekFrom sumo wrestling to Singaporean fare, medieval manuscripts to magnetic exhibitions, the Wallpaper* team have traversed the length and breadth of culture in the capital this week
-
Viewers are cast as voyeurs in Tai Shani’s crimson-hued London exhibitionBritish artist Tai Shani creates mystical other worlds through sculpture, performance and film. Step inside at Gathering
-
Who are the nine standout artists that shaped Frieze London 2025?Amid the hectic Frieze London schedule, many artists were showcasing extraordinary work this year. Here are our favourites
-
Doc’n Roll Festival returns with a new season of underground music filmsNow in its twelfth year, the grassroots festival continues to platform subcultural stories and independent filmmakers outside the mainstream
-
Out of office: The Wallpaper* editors' picks of the weekThe London office of Wallpaper* had a very important visitor this week. Elsewhere, the team traverse a week at Frieze
