Untitled [Matrix 4 John Whitney] (2010)

Matrix IV is a sequel to John Whitney's 1972 abstract film Matrix III, made from found footage of Atari music videos, combined with slowed down Atari 8-bit music.

Over a sonorous soundtrack, a series of abstract shapes pulse and flicker onscreen. Sometimes coming together to create patterns or latticework, they emerge primarily from fixed geometric shapes, whose forms and colours suggest they are computer generated.

John Whitney was a pioneer of motion graphics and computer animation, creating complex visual effects during the late 1950s and early ‘60s. The title intimates the work is a tribute to Whitney.

Public screenings

• Hamilton Underground Film Festival (curated by Emit Snake-Beings)

• Waikato Museum of Art and History (November 13, 2010)