Widely known as both a digital artist and computer scientist, Karl has long been at the forefront of integrating art and technology. After receiving his Master’s in Visual Studies from the MIT Media Lab, Karl moved to California, where he developed special effects software for Hollywood production firms. He returned to Cambridge in 1990 and joined Thinking Machines Corporation (manufacturer of massively parallel supercomputers) as Artist in Residence and Research Scientist. During this period, Karl created his own works of computer animation based on his models of computational evolution. The creation of GenArts Sapphire in 1996 was a culmination of Karl’s endeavors in computer programming, his study of the special effects industry and his artistic talent. Karl has been the recipient of numerous scientific and creative awards throughout the course of his career, including the MacArthur Fellowship for “extraordinary originality and dedication in creative pursuits.â€
