In tribute to Vera Molnár, the Hungarian pioneer of computer art who passed away last year just shy of her 100th birthday, 15 contemporary artists offer a powerful homage to her groundbreaking legacy. Molnár, best known for her “Molnár System” – which introduced a “1% disorder” into her algorithmic compositions – was one of the first artists to explore the creative potential of computer-generated art. By the late 1960s, she was already utilizing algorithms developed at the Sorbonne University in Paris to produce digital works, positioning her at the forefront of the digital art movement.
Among the works presented, Iskra Velitchkova’s Squared (2023) stands out as a vibrant neon-hued geometric abstraction. With a rhythmic grid of squares, each meticulously placed, Velitchkova creates a hypnotic visual pulse that invites prolonged engagement, drawing the viewer into a contemplative experience of order and color. In a more minimalist vein, Antoine Schmitt’s 100 Squares Ensemble (2024) features a striking black-and-white grid of 100 individual squares, each a microcosm of both collective unity and independent expression. The work’s subtle rhythms and repetitions gradually enhance the viewer’s perception, creating a dynamic interplay between structure and movement. Refik Anadol’s À la recherche de Vera Molnár (2024) takes a digital turn, where his AI algorithms reinterpret Molnár’s geometric language and the randomness she so expertly employed, forging a connection between past and future through cutting-edge technology.
All works, each distinct in its approach, collectively honor Molnár’s pioneering spirit. They reflect on her lasting influence, while offering a fresh perspective on the evolving intersection of art, mathematics, and technology.
Alexandra de Cramer
Issue 66, December 2023
Turkey’s Centenary Issue
