Research Questions

• Can this work be installed continuously?
• If it cannot be implemented using current technology, how do we preserve the balance between the original content and newer technology, ensuring the newer technologies do not overpower the work's essence?
• Under what circumstances is it no longer possible to exhibit this artwork?
• How do we inform exhibition staff about the technical requirements (such as starting an Amiga-based artwork using floppy disks)?
• How do we document the work for future presentations?

Brief Description of the Work

Toen en Nu is an early, born-digital installation created by Geert Mul in 1990, during the final year of his studies. Programmed in AmigaBASIC, the work explores the concept of time, specifically focusing on the fleeting nature of the "now" moment. The installation consists of an Amiga 1200 computer and CRT monitor, with the word “nu” (now) rapidly flashing and transforming into the word “toen” (then) at random intervals, continuously cycling.

In the original concept, Mul did not see the hardware as central to the artwork. However, reflecting on the piece in subsequent years, he acknowledged that the specific aesthetic of the 1990s Amiga computer and monitor, along with the visual display of "nu" and "toen," evokes a historical context that is integral to the viewer’s experience. The real-time, live-generated nature of the work remains the core concept – the "now" moment represented by the flashing text cannot be captured or reproduced from pre-recorded media.

Preservation and Challenges

One of the primary concerns in preserving Toen en Nu is the scarcity of functioning Amiga computers and CRT monitors, which are necessary to fully experience the work as intended. Over time, these machines and their components have become increasingly difficult to obtain, and a new generation may be unfamiliar with the technology. In response to this, Mul has made efforts to ensure the continuity of the installation by replacing the Amiga 1200’s original hard disk with a Compact Flash (CF) card emulator. This modification eliminates the mechanical components of the computer, making the system less susceptible to failure and reducing the need for maintenance while retaining the artwork's live-generated essence.

The ideal installation scenario for Toen en Nu involves using the original hardware – specifically, an Amiga 1200 or compatible models (500, 2000, 3000, 4000) – paired with an Amiga CRT monitor. The CF card ensures the artwork remains functional without the risk of mechanical failure, allowing for easier start-up procedures in exhibition spaces. In this set-up, the museum staff simply needs to power on the system, and the artwork will automatically begin, reducing the complexity of installation.

Documentation and Future Preservation

To ensure the longevity of the piece, a detailed set of installation instructions has been created. These instructions have been used successfully for the reinstallation of Toen en Nu at exhibitions, including Geert Mul’s solo show in Dortmund. They will continue to serve as a guide for future presentations. Furthermore, to protect against the potential loss of data, a backup of the AmigaBASIC code is securely stored in LI-MA’s digital art repository, with a written copy of the code available for future reference.

By taking these steps, Toen en Nu is preserved not only as a work of art but as a piece of digital history. The collaboration between LI-MA, the artist, and digital preservation specialists ensures that this work can continue to be experienced by future audiences, even as the technologies that originally supported it become obsolete.

Header image: Geert Mul, Toen en Nu (1990)