Roger Vilder
Roger Vilder (b. 1938) is a Franco-Canadian artist and a pioneer in kinetic and computer-assisted art. Born in Beirut, Lebanon, and educated at Concordia University in Montreal, Vilder has lived and worked in Paris, Nîmes, and Montreal. His multifaceted practice spans sculpture, drawing, animation, video, and neon, and is deeply rooted in constructivist principles and the exploration of movement, transformation, and cycles.
Themes and Inspiration
Vilder’s art is centered on the representation of movement and metamorphosis. Using electric motors, industrial components (like articulated chains and springs), and later, computer algorithms, he creates abstract reliefs and kinetic sculptures that evolve from geometric structures to organic forms. His work investigates the harmony between geometry, space, color, and time, often evoking the rhythms and cycles found in nature. Vilder’s early adoption of computers allowed him to generate geometric forms and optical effects impossible to achieve mechanically, exploring patterns, repetition, and randomness in both physical and digital media.
Why Roger Vilder?
Roger Vilder is a key figure in the history of kinetic and digital art. He bridges the gap between mechanical and algorithmic creation, demonstrating how technology can be used to express organic transformation and perpetual change. His works invite viewers to experience the interplay of order and flux, making visible the underlying processes that shape both art and nature.
Exhibitions and Collections
Vilder’s work has been exhibited internationally since the 1960s, including major events like the Hayward Gallery’s “Kinetics” (London, 1970), the Contemporary Art Museum of Montreal (1975), and the French Institut of Barcelona (2012). His art is held in numerous public and private collections, such as the National Gallery of Canada, Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Kunstmuseen Krefeld (Germany), and Fondation Villa Datris (France).
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