2022 • Oil on panel • 40 x 30 cm
The Commission
At the Inventor’s Desk was commissioned by Martin Fagereng Johansen for the cover of his book Foundations of Computer Science. The book is available for purchase on Amazon.
The painting shows the desk of Charles Babbage, the inventor of the first programmable computer (the Analytical Engine), while he was burning the midnight oil working on his invention in the 1820s. The first computer was not electrical, but mechanical. The two cog wheels depicted are memory wheels, which in this case are carrying the memory of Charles Babbage. On his desk is also a technical drawing of the machine.
Eirik’s painting gives a solemn tribute to a great historic moment, and lets the viewer feel the calm satisfaction of an inventor on the right track.
Martin Fagereng Johansen
Award
The painting won 3rd place at Christ Engebretsen’s 100th anniversary competition ‘Past, present and future’ and was exhibited at their store in Oslo in May 2023. The jury for the competition consisted of prominent Norwegian painters and gallery owners, including Vebjørn Sand and Roar Kjærnstad.
Conscientious work with symbolism that gives a timeless expression. The transparency of the picture shows the unique qualities and possibilities of oil painting. With this work, the artist has solved the thematic task in a particularly original way.
Jury of Christ Engebretsen’s 100th anniversary competition
Testimonial
I was impressed by what Eirik had done and his understanding of art, so I commissioned a still life based on items related to the inventor of the computer, Charles Babbage.
Eirik took the commission seriously and moved forward by planning a promising and well thought through composition. He took interest in what I wanted from the composition and planned a composition based on a good understanding of what was important, both in the historical context and for me.
I got to follow him as he progressed on the painting, and was happy and confident with his progression. He finished the painting as planned and delivered it in time. He delivered a result that exceeded my expectations.
Martin Fagereng Johansen
Eirik and Martin with the Difference Engine at the Science Museum in London, England
Book launch event for Foundations of Computer Science at Deichman Bjørvika in Oslo, Norway
