“Memories are not meant to be seen
in black and white.”
– Leslie van Berkel, visual artist
In observance of the date of Bob’s passing in 2005, August 21, we remember Bob’s life and legacy with a painstakingly colorized poster of a black-and-white photo of him, which we now offer as a museum-quality collectible art poster available online.
“Every day, I try to seize new opportunities and realize my dreams by looking for people who inspire me to this day. Thank you, Bob Moog, for bringing me the sound of the future,” visual artist Leslie van Berkel said about the project. “Michelle Moog-Koussa has given me her trust to give her father’s legacy a second life by displaying her memories in full color.”
Van Berkel corresponded with our executive director, Michelle Moog-Koussa, on the exact color and texture of the shirt Moog is wearing in the photo, using rare photos from the Moog Family Archives as reference for skin, hair, and eye color.
“Your detailed description of your father’s shirt gave me goosebumps,” van Berkel emailed Moog-Koussa as they collaborated across time zones. His colorized image is historically accurate down to Moog’s daughter’s recollection of the exact shades of blue-gray in the stripes of the inventor’s button-down shirt.
A self-described fan of synthesizers and the Bob Moog legacy, van Berkel reached out to Moog-Koussa regarding his desire to pay tribute by undertaking by-hand colorization of a historic photo – with complete dedication to representing colors as they were the day the photo was taken.
Timelapse video of Leslie’s colorization process
Together, the two chose what is generally regarded as the most iconic image of Bob Moog ever taken: the inventor striking a stoic pose in the back room of Moog Music, Inc. in Buffalo, NY, arms folded, surrounded by several of the iconic synthesizers he helped create.
This 18″ x 24″ serigraph is printed on heavy poster stock. View and purchase the Leslie van Berkel colorized poster here.
Big Moog love to Leslie for the donation of his time and talent! We are honored to use it to remember Bob during a poignant, meaningful time for us and for the synthesizer community.
You too can keep Bob’s legacy renewed, vibrant and enduring! Contribute some color of your own by becoming a member of the Bob Moog Foundation and the Moogseum.
Benefits include yearly free admission to the Moogseum, virtual Moogseum tours, an insider newsletter, a discount on items in our online store bursting with Bob Moog merch, and more — including the satisfaction of supporting Bob’s legacy, and providing invaluable resources and funding towards our mission to innovate, inspire, and ignite creativity through the intersection of science, music, and technology.