Lena Kurtz - Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaft Hamburg

Chaos Computer Craft, – Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaft Hamburg

Lena Kurtz is studying for her Master’s degree in Fashion Design at the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg). Her work explores internet, hacker, and cyber cultures and aims to raise visibility for women in these communities. During her bachelor’s studies, she focused on working with knitting machines. For her, knitting is the ideal combination of artistry, craftsmanship, and technology.

Her bachelor’s thesis, „Chaos Computer Craft,“ examines the connections between computer programming and textile handcraft. Neither the average user nor many of those who today work „anything with computers“ are aware that the beginnings of computers and computer programming began in weaving. Digitalization and the development of the modern computer as a universal machine owe much to the invisible work of women. Their contributions to computer history were underestimated, but paved the way for today’s famous, mostly male, computer pioneers. A textile surface is intrinsically linked to its manufacturing process; similarly, the punch card punching and cabling of early computers are still embedded in the functioning of modern machines today. The collection represents a more critical approach to computers and greater awareness of their history.

Credits: Photography: Jana Konrad, Flora Ritz-Rahman Models: Thea Bartzsch, Jana Konrad, Flora Ritz-Rahman