Evolizer
(Hasselt / Diesterstraat 10-12-14)
In this largely black and white graphical animation by Jan van Nuenen (1978 / the Netherlands) the mechanical-looking figures move through a futuristic city or factory-like environment.
One of the figures carries a closed box. Within the box we witness an evolution of indefinable elements that rapidly reproduce themselves and develop into colourful, organic, plant-like beings. The black and white geometrical space changes into an underwater world. Weird and wonderful fish first devour the plants and then each other on this ocean floor. Evolizer creates two contrast-rich, surrealistic and ominous worlds, but thanks to the strongly present narrative element, the images also acquire a certain appeal causing one to temporarily forget the here and now.
Jan van Nuenen’s universe is wholly computer generated and often refers to this digital world in the story, in which bits and data are important sources for growth and reproduction.
Van Nuenen’s highly imaginative creation bears similarities to other works of art in Hasselt by O’Reilly and Condon. They also make use of computer techniques and reflect on life in ‘technospace’.