Each modulator of an image projector includes multiple pixels arranged in rows and columns, switchable independently of each other into a first state, in which light incident on them is used to generate an image, and into a second state, in which light incident on them is not used to generate an image. At least one first pixel is assigned to each second pixel such that the imaging optical system a) strikes the second pixel with light from the respective assigned first pixel when the assigned first pixel is switched into the first state, in order to illuminate the second pixel actively, and b) does not strike the second pixel it with light from the respective assigned first pixel when the assigned first pixel is switched into the second state, in order not to illuminate the second pixel actively. A control unit that controls the modulators is also disclosed.