Marcel Schwittlick

Marcel Schwittlick (b. 1989) is a Berlin-based artist whose practice sits at the intersection of digital technology and physical art. With a background in both computer science and art, Schwittlick is known for his innovative use of drawing machines, custom algorithms, and vintage plotters to create works that transform digital gestures—such as cursor movements—into tangible, intricate compositions. His art spans generative works, plotter drawings, installations, and conceptual pieces, all exploring the dynamic interplay between control and randomness, artist and machine

Schwittlick’s process is deeply rooted in experimentation: he develops his own software and builds custom hardware, embracing the quirks and unpredictability of machines. The audible sounds of plotting, the subtle imperfections of the process, and the translation of code into physical marks are integral to his work. He often collects and analyzes data from digital interactions, such as mouse movements, using these as raw material for his generative systems. This approach allows him to investigate the boundaries between human intuition and algorithmic logic, as well as the evolving relationship between technology and creativity.

Themes and Inspiration

Schwittlick’s work is driven by questions about authorship, agency, and the nature of digital images. He is inspired by generative aesthetics, computational art pioneers like Frieder Nake and Manfred Mohr, and the psychological and perceptual qualities of hand-drawn versus machine-generated lines. His practice is informed by both the history of computer art and contemporary digital culture, often referencing the tension between chance and intention. 

His art is characterized by a dialectic of complexity and play, meticulous preparation, and a fascination with the materiality of digital processes. By foregrounding the imperfections and unpredictability of machines, Schwittlick’s work highlights the symbiosis between artist and technology, inviting viewers to reflect on the creative potential of algorithms, data, and physical media.

Why Marcel?

Marcel Schwittlick offers a compelling perspective on how digital technology can be harnessed to create unique, physical artworks. His ability to bridge the gap between code and craft, randomness and intention, makes his work both visually striking and conceptually rich. Visitors are invited to experience the tangible results of digital processes and to reconsider the boundaries between human creativity and machine logic. Schwittlick’s installations, plotter drawings, and generative pieces provide a fresh lens on the ongoing dialogue between art and technology, making his practice especially relevant in today’s digitally connected world.

Marcel Schwittlick’s work has been exhibited at major institutions and galleries worldwide, including DAM Projects (Berlin), Nguyen Wahed (New York), Bright Moments Gallery (Berlin), Galerie Met (Berlin), Galerie Data (Paris), Bark Gallery Lab (Berlin), Erratum Gallery (Berlin), Phoenix Gallery (Brighton), Kunsthaus Bethanien (Berlin), and Harwood Museum of Art (Taos, New Mexico). His work has also been shown at prominent art fairs and group exhibitions, such as Art Dubai, Paris Photo at Grand Palais Ephémère (Paris), Untitled Art Fair (Miami Beach), and Art Basel (Tezos booth, Basel).

Website

https://schwittlick.net/

Recommended Interviews