The Fathers of Silicon Valley - The Traitorous Eight

About this Artwork 

This is a mixed-media artwork exploring the impact of the Traitorous Eight. The artwork contains nine artifacts from companies the Eight were associated with: an Intel 3101 Static RAM, an Amelco 2N2222 transistor, a Fairchild 915 micrologic chip, a Xicor 32K EEPROM, a Fairchild 2N1613 Planar transistor, and a Fairchild Micrologic 914 chip. The display describes the impact of the Eight on Silicon Vallery, the Semiconductor industry, and the creation of the first computer chip.

The following is the preamble at the left of the artwork:

The men pictured to the right are considered heroes or traitors, depending on your point of view. They are, from left to right, Gordon Moore, Sheldon Roberts, Eugene Kleiner, Robert Noyce, Victor Grinich, Julius Blank, Jean Hoerni, and Jay Last. All were young Ph.D. graduates with just a few years of experience, but all hungry to research and fabricate semiconductors. Fate brought them together, but their hard work and perseverance brought about one of the most significant technological and economic phenomena of the 20th century, Silicon Valley. In 1956, William Shockley, co-inventor of the transistor, brought together a brilliant team (including the Eight) to further his research into four-layer diodes. Unfortunately, researchers at Shockley Semiconductor had a difficult time working for Shockley. His demanding autocratic and paranoid management style quickly led to mass discouragement. After efforts by the Eight to resolve management issues failed, they proceeded with plans to form their own company. The now Traitorous Eight co-founded Fairchild Semiconductor in 1957. There they thrived and created some of the most important inventions in the semiconductor industry's history. Eventually, each decided to leave Fairchild to pursue their own interests. Many founded some of the original companies that created the foundation that became Silicon Valley. Hundreds of Silicon Valley companies owe their success directly, or indirectly, to the Eight. The vignettes on the panel to right provide a brief outline of each of the Eight's contributions. If possible, a semiconductor device of their company is included...

Framing

The artwork is a 16"x20" in a black shadow box frame, with glass. All framing materials are acid-free. A narrative about the artwork that includes the artist’s signature is placed on the back of the artwork.

Please note:  The look of the artifacts in the artworks may vary, each piece is unique.