Robotron: Code and Utopia

Publication | 2026 | 24 €

The rapid advance of computers and microelectronics since the 1960s is often described as the “third industrial revolution.” In the GDR, the name Robotron in particular stood for this new technology, which extended into virtually every sector of the economy. Looking back at the history of the combine, technological possibilities and social aspirations converge.

Through a montage of conversations, documents, artistic works, and reflections on the relationship between geopolitics, the planned economy, and the global market, the book examines the industrial development of the East German state. In doing so, it challenges conventional notions that have become entrenched in narratives of a “socialist” past and sheds light on the political and economic contradictions that ultimately led to the collapse of the GDR.

Inke Arns is a curator, author, and director of HMKV Hartware MedienKunstVerein. Sabine Weier is an author and curator and a member of the team at GfZK – Galerie für Zeitgenössische Kunst Leipzig. Jan Wenzel is an author and publisher at Spector Books. Franciska Zólyom is an art historian, curator, and director of GfZK – Galerie für Zeitgenössische Kunst Leipzig.

More informations about the exhibition

Title

Robotron: Code and Utopia

Editors

Inke Arns, Sabine Weier, Jan Wenzel, Franciska Zólyom

Talks

Susanne Altmann: Hannar Hupka, Sabine Weier
Regina Bittner: Sabine Weier, Franciska Zólyom
Rita Große: Hanar Hupka, Sabine Weier
Francis Hunger: Sabine Weier, Jan Wenzel
Jens Knobloch: Antye Guenther
Thomas Kübler: Sabine Weier
Henrike Voigtländer: Sabine Weier

Editorial

Hanar Hupka, Sabine Weier, Jan Wenzel, Franciska Zólyom

Design

Wolfgang Schwärzler

 

Photography

Exhibition views: Alexandra Ivanciu, Marion Wenzel

Year

2025

Language

English

Translation

Louise Bromby, Sonja Hornung, Alisa Kotmair

Proofreading

Alisa Kotmair

Format

Width: 24 cm, length: 32 cm
112 pages

ISBN

9783959059534

Price

24,00 €

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