Algorithmic Art: The Sign Painting Project by Francis Alÿs
Artist's collaboration with Mexican sign painters challenges the idea of paintings as unique works.
![Sign shop/artist studio with man at work, and signs and paintings on the walls and floor.](/content/images/size/w2000/2024/02/Set-Theory-Work-in-Progress-with-Juan-Garc-a-1-1.jpg)
Last year, Francis Alÿs (@francis_alys_official) was awarded the prestigious Wolfgang Hahn Prize, and the corresponding exhibition of his work is showing at Köln's Museum Ludwig until 7 April.
The focus of the show is Alÿs' Sign Painting Project from the 1990s, produced in collaboration with three sign painters in Mexico City. It was inspired by the city's hand-painted street advertisements, and the illustrations that adorned them.