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Coincidences are occurrences where the cause cannot be explained. This raises the question whether this is due to a lack of information or, the occurrence itself cannot be explained at all. Is coincidence an unpredictable force or are underlying processes at work which we cannot grasp at first glance?
Our attention is focused on such coincidences in everyday life, especially on one phenomenon that occurs during photocopying. We noticed that printing ink seemed to be spread out randomly across a photo copy. Further research revealed that this does not happen purely by chance but can in fact be traced back to the degree of toner wear. In a further step we started the copying process without a paper feed, thus letting the photocopier copy itself. In the process only the degree of wear showed on the actual photocopy. The aim of this work is to take these new patterns out of their original framework, thus providing a new aesthetical context. By reproducing these photocopies in relief, offset and silk screen print we give coincidence an added and aesthetic property.
Further information
These reproductions were printed on photo paper at the University of Darmstadt printing plant in a batch of 50 for one photocopy made. They were then sold during a diploma exhibition. Each reproduction was imprinted with the name of the copy shop, the name of the photocopier and given its own number. So every print is an original. Through the use of the three aforementioned printing techniques our reproductions received a unique value. The fascinating part for us in this was the fact that each photocopier produced its own “artwork”. We did not alter but merely reproduced the patterns. The patterns produced by the photocopier are entirely coincidental since we could not predict how a photocopier was being used during its life span. The photocopier simply reveals its current state of wear.