Kunst&Ko Cut Up and Recombine the Masters

‘17th Century Old Masters Collage’ is a digital work of art

The father-son team of Peter and Sven de Ru are known for startling juxtapositions of images in their work, and “17th Century Old Masters Collage” is firmly within their oeuvre. The digital collage, made up of images lifted from works by Dutch masters and recombined, is destined to adorn Eurodam’s Pinnacle Grill. The pair, who live in Leiden — hometown to many of the great Dutch painters — have been creating together under the brand Kunst&Ko since 1996. Peter was an architect and self-taught painter until 1975, when he became a full-time artist. Sven studied graphic art and worked in advertising before joining his father to create both original and commissioned art.

Ship designer Frans Dingemans of VFD Architects, who selected the piece for Eurodam’s collection, said that because the artists hail from Leiden it is no coincidence that, while their collage might appear unorthodox, it truly is an inspired homage to world-famous artworks produced during the Dutch Golden Age.

“Their way of making art doesn’t fit these old techniques at all,” said Dingemans. “The most modern equipment is used to bring new life to the Old Masters’ works.”

‘Saskia with Staircase’ is from the Rembrandt Project Kunst&Ko did in 2006

He noted that Kunst&Ko’s digital collages are selections of the best and most famous details of the 17th-century works.

“Don’t be prejudiced that their work is only a copy of the Old Masters’ works, because we find an enormous creativity in their work,” said Dingemans. “The use of many surrealistic jokes makes their work a pleasure to view. Every new look at it will be a different experience.”