With A Random Systematic 01, 02, visual artist Daan Roukens takes on a new challenge in the digital art world and delves deeper into the experience of the ‘in-between’. This time, he paints doubt in a digital medium, using patterns, color, and abstraction to reveal the tension between structure and disruption.

A Random Systematic 01, 02 stems from Roukens’ fascination with the emerging digital market and the blockchain as a system for storing data. Such as cryptocurrency and digital certificates of ownership (NFTs). He was intrigued by how this system operates, consisting of a chain of blocks that continuously verify each other. When one block is altered, all subsequent blocks must be updated as well. Roukens sees parallels here with his own painting technique.

Where each brushstroke influences the pattern and the next decision. Instead of aiming for a perfect chain, he seeks confrontation with the system and its disruption (a ‘bug’ in computing terms). Creating digital work has always been a challenge for Roukens. As it often feels too rigid and leaves no room for imperfection. That’s why he began painting digitally on an iPad, integrating manual elements to preserve that space between pattern and variation.

Roukens represents the blockchain as a pattern of geometric building blocks contrasted with a chain of organic forms.The (painting) process revolves around the interplay between both elements. Ultimately leading to the sublime moment that emerges from the tension between the handcrafted digital painting technique and the predefined rigid pattern. Roukens also makes use of risograph printing.

A digital printing technique in which a separate stencil is created for each color and the paper must pass manually through the printing machine again for every layer. The colours are printed transparently on top of one another, resulting in new imperfect outcomes. Through the risoprint, the NFT, and the use of RGB and CMYK colours, he explores the connection and contrast between the analog and digital world. In his physical works, where the act of letting go of control is a recurring theme. A Random Systematic 01, 02 also reflects on the digital future and letting go of old ideals.