Limited Edtion of 18 Pieces
MB&F's M.A.D.Gallery is thrilled to offer this evolution of the original Nixie Machine in a limited edition available exclusively at their boutiques in Geneva, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Taipei.
Frank Buchwald's impressively detailed works were part of the initial line-up of artists showcased at the inauguration of the first M.A.D.Gallery in Geneva. Buchwald's intrepid Machine Lights followed by the first Nixie Machine inspired the admiration of MB&F founder Maximilian Büsser from the start, landing Buchwald's work a permanent exhibit at the M.A.D.Galleries.
Introduced in the 1950s, Nixie tubes also known as cold cathode displays became a popular way of presenting numerals using glow discharge. The name Nixie is thought to derive from the Burroughs Corporation's "NIX I," which in turn was believed to have stood for "Numeric Indicator eXperimental No.1."
Each glass tube is filled with a low-pressure neon-based gas and includes a wire-mesh anode and layered cathodes shaped like numerals; a separate cathode is needed for every numeral 0 to 9. A distinctive orange glow discharge surrounds each cathode when power is applied. Assembled in multi-digit arrays by connecting electronic circuitry to several tubes, Nixie tubes were often used for computers, clocks, and frequency counters, though these were eventually supplanted by more practicable, less costly though arguably less charming displays such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
Forging onwards from the first and second editions of the Nixie Machine series, the NM3 consolidates Frank Buchwald's design and structural principles into a futuristic work of art whose dynamic emphasis is dominated by the machine-like character of the design: the form is compact and vigorous and the proportions perfectly executed.
At first glance, the succession of six Nixie tubes seem to hover above the substructure, pulling the eye instinctively inwards to the numeric information floating within the confines of each glass bulb. Closer scrutiny reveals piece by piece the intrinsic principles comprising the quintessential structure of the machine: a duo-support bracket riveted with massive steel bolts, steel and brass discs to the solid base construction and a central cylindrical tower. Extending from the duo-support bracket is the additional structural support, holding the row of tubes like arms, which 'hand over' time to the viewer.
Dimensions are: 630mm x 430mm, Weight ca. 17kg.
MSRP is 32,000 Swiss Francs.
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