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M.V. Baks
Alter modernism - where technology meets nature
“Live Lines” Live
"Live Lines" - Live: surreal drawing performances on location, where art emerges in the moment and visitors experience the magic of the process up close.
Drawing performances on location, right in the middle of real life.
"Live Lines" — Live is drawing in its most direct form:
no filters, no screens, no staging — just paper, pencil, and the moment.
Visitors can watch a surreal drawing unfold from up close. Sometimes someone is literally leaning over the paper, other times it happens from a stage or while moving among the crowd.
"Live Lines" — Live creates a brief pause within busy environments: during dance events, in cafés, restaurants, or cultural spaces. It brings calm, curiosity, and conversation — a small disruption in the flow of everyday life.
Locations & Collaborations
Live Lines Live has taken place at, among others:
- Grounded Truth — public space, various cities
- Bakkit, Zwaanshals Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Bangkok Art & Cultural Centre (BACC), Bangkok, Thailand
- Café-Restaurant Ammehoela, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Ke-Riko Latin Dance Nights, Rotterdam & Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Podium-O-950, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Baroeg — Downward Spiral, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Examples of Live Lines — Live
Parties & Club Nights
Live Lines can transform the atmosphere of an event entirely.
Baroeg, Downward Spiral — Rotterdam
For ten nights, I created live surreal drawings within the dark, alternative world of this gothic club night. Think of fairytale distortion, symbolism, fetish elements, and theatrical details — all in harmony with the crowd and its aesthetic.
It remains a meaningful collaboration I look back on with great pleasure.
Ke-Riko Latin Dance Night — Amsterdam & Rotterdam
During these warm, energetic evenings, I worked live on larger drawings while also creating small smick tattoos — quick floral motifs that guests could take home as a memory.
Just ask the bartender at Amehoela during the August 2025 edition.
Cafés & Restaurants
A more relaxed setting, where visitors can watch from up close.
At Amehoela and other venues, I create surreal drawings live on location. People become inspired, ask questions, or observe quietly from a distance as the lines slowly form a world of their own.
These sessions often spark spontaneous conversations — exactly what Live Lines aims for: connecting people through art that unfolds in the moment.
In Public Space
Some sessions are planned; others emerge spontaneously.
I regularly draw at:
Starbucks Hofplein — Rotterdam
Bakkit, Zwaanshals Rotterdam
BACC — Bangkok
various places where I simply sit down and begin, allowing passersby to join the moment
During one session at BACC, a spontaneous mini-masterclass for a group of art students emerged — a reminder of how naturally Live Lines invites connection.
Ke-Riko @ Ammehoela Rotterdam
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Grounded Truth
My chalk drawing performances in public space, has its own page and forms a colorful, playful counterpart to my graphite work.
Grounded Truth
Grounded Truth is my series of temporary drawing interventions in public space.
With chalk, charcoal and intuitive lines, I bring drawings to pavements, courtyards and squares. The city is no longer a backdrop but an active canvas — a place where you ...
How to Approach Me During a Session
I often draw in public spaces, and I understand it can sometimes be unclear whether you can approach me.
Headphones on? → I’m in my flow and working quietly on my own — you’re welcome to look over my shoulder, but I’m not available to talk.
No headphones? → You’re always welcome to come closer, ask questions, or start a conversation.
Thank you for your understanding — it makes these moments more enjoyable for both of us. 🙏
For Businesses & Organizations
Live Lines — Live can be incorporated as:
an artistic performance during events
an atmospheric enhancement for festivals, parties, openings, and dinners
a creative activation for visitors
a unique form of live entertainment with depth
an artistic addition to brand or product launches
I’m happy to collaborate on a performance that fits your atmosphere, audience, and location.
Feel free to contact me to discuss the possibilities — no obligations.
A fee may be requested depending on the location, duration, and context of the performance.