Moiré by Livinus and Jeep van de Bundt

Moiré by Livinus and Jeep van de Bundt is an early example of generative video art from the 1970s. Electronic music composed by Livinus's son Jeep serves as a backdrop to his generated colourful, abstract video paintings. In rhythm with the beat of the music, waves of multiplying, altering, and casually related graphic elements appear. On a background of green, there are blue blocks with red borders.

Livinus created an image synthesiser and an image generator early in his career. However, the method through which Livinus created Moiré and some of his other works is still a little obscure. The ‘Lumodinamiese Masjiene’ (lumodynamic machine), a device that Livinus and Jeep jointly created, was made up of lenses, lighting, and electronics operated by a keyboard. The precise design of the device, as well as any additional devices Livinus created, either with or without his son Jeep, were kept a secret.

Livinus van de Bundt, Moiré, 1975

Livinus van de Bundt, also known as Livinus, is a prominent figure in the history of media art in the Netherlands, best known for his experiments and videoworks. He started and worked with abstract photography and slide projections, and researched techniques that allowed him to shape light in different ways before creating his so-called ‘video peintures’ and ‘fotografiek’. Livinus began working with video in the 1970s, inspired by Nam June Paik. His son Jeep, a musician, enriched his experiments by adding sound to the visual works. The artistic collaboration between father and son was broadened.

Cooperative experimentation developed the first generation of Dutch video artists. Livinus introduced a new dimension to the aesthetics of the static image in the visual arts, determined by electronics, which was followed by other video artists who interacted with the tool. In addition to his artistic work, Livinus established the Free Academy of Visual Art in The Hague, where he served as artistic director until 1964. The work of Livinus directly inspired René Coelho, founder/professor of the Media Art department at AKI Art Academy, to start MonteVideo in 1978 in Amsterdam, which then evolved into LI-MA 10 years ago. 

Livinus van de Bundt, Moiré, 1975

The evolution of generative art leads to pioneers in this field, such as Livinus and Jeep van de Bundt. Moiré analysis goes beyond its aesthetic and considers the presentation of a classic video abstraction that was shown in a variety of formats, including TV and projections. This raises the questions about contextualising early video pieces as well as the various modes of their exposition. Digital Care Programme involves a debate on Moiré presentation and an examination of the tools and techniques used by Livinus, which still remain enigmatic.

Event Digital Care: Livinus & Jeep van de Bundt and Steina

From 10 to 14 May, the Digital Care programme will present  two artistic experiences and approaches to electronic innovation at TETEM: Moiré by Livinus van de Bundt and Jeep van de Bundt (1975) and Violin Power by Steina (1969 - 1978).  These  media artists have invented alternate branches in the evolution of technology by making and using their own tools, exploring, imagining, and creating their artworks. 

For more information about the event, please visit the event page by clicking here or in the section on the right of this page. 

Research on Moiré 

A research report on the work Moiré by Livinus and Jeep van de Bundt is available upon request. If you need access, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us at info@li-.ma.nl.

Essay on Livinius van de Bundt by Achiel Buyse

About Digital Care and REBOOT

Nieuwe Instituut and LI-MA present the exhibition REBOOT: Pioneering Digital Art. Featuring key works from the Netherlands from 1960 to 2000, plus new work by contemporary makers, REBOOT reveals the influence of digital technology on art and society. The Digital Care trajectory functions as a strong basis for the run-up of this public exhibition which runs from 8 October 2023 to 1 April 2024 at Nieuwe Instituut. The exhibition presents the impact of digital technology in art and society and builds on the Digital Canon of the Netherlands, compiled by experts in 2017-2019 commissioned by LI-MA.

Digital Care and REBOOT are supported by Creative Industries Fund NL, Mondriaan Fund, and Network Archives Design and Digital Culture.