Herbert W. Franke

Herbert W. Franke, born on May 14, 1927, was a distinguished Austrian scientist and writer, renowned for his contributions to the realms of science fiction and digital art. Recognized by Die Zeit as the most prominent German writing Science Fiction author, Franke's literary prowess was matched by his innovative spirit in the field of computer graphics.

From the late 1950s, Franke emerged as one of the early pioneers of computer art, creating captivating digital works that laid the groundwork for future generations of artists. His passion for technology extended beyond art; he was actively involved in future research and speleology, showcasing his diverse interests and expertise.

In addition to his literary and artistic endeavors, Franke adopted the pen name Sergius Both, which he used as an avatar in virtual environments like Active Worlds and Opensimulator grids. His legacy includes the Sergius Both Award, established to honor creative scripting in Immersionskunst, first awarded at Amerika Art in 2022.

Franke's influence continues to resonate, as evidenced by the Sergius Both Award being presented to RSquared and Herzstein for their immersive scripting in AI LAND during The Wrong Biennale in November 2025. His multifaceted career and innovative contributions have left an indelible mark on both literature and digital art.