18/9/2007
Carlo Bernardini
Swing Space, New York
Event Horizon. A new installation. Working with a unique system of fiber optics, Bernardini creates a shifting, illusory network of illuminated lines that traverse the space in weblike formations.
Event Horizon
Italian artist Carlo Bernardini inaugurates a new Swing Space at 5
Hanover Square with his installation "Event Horizon". Working with a
unique system of fiber optics, Bernardini creates a shifting, illusory
network of illuminated lines that traverse the space in weblike
formations. Viewers' processes of perception are challenged and
overturned as they enter the created environment, experiencing it from
within and without.
The title of this exhibit "Event Horizon" is inspired by the
astronomer's definition of the black holes' boundary line in the
cosmic space. Based on Bernardini's previous exhibits up to now, the
"permeable spaces" and their inner void, the viewer's processes of
perception of the black cosmic space and the "black holes" as "no
place", a "point of no return" become part of an experimental visual
challenge.
This life size installation consists of steel spheres of different
diameter, variously arranged and linked together by optic fibers. The
interaction of the spheres and optic fibers allow the light to become
the premier element for the visual language of this created
environment.
His is a form of creativity that works on the basis of a code of
modifications in space reflecting variants produced by light. So much
is confirmed by the present research of Carlo Bernardini, who handles
light and shade like materials and substances, using
electro-luminescent surfaces and optical fibers with internal lighting
in a context of total darkness.
In these works with interior and exterior environmental light
installations, the optical superimposition of lines traversing a space
and lines running along the planes of the same space, viewed from a
certain position, can produce two-dimensional visual conditions.
Closing one eye, transforming it into a single lens, the image becomes
two-dimensional; as soon as the viewpoint shifts volumetric changes
come about, generating mirror image-forms.
The first impression is not of the optical fibers themselves, but
rather of transparent plates of glass lit up along the sides.
The optical fibers only reveal the empty space they enclose in a
subsequent phase of perception.
The observer can enter into a sort of illusory space, experiencing the
installation from within and without.
Carlo Bernardini was born in Viterbo in 1966 and obtained his diploma
at the Fine Arts Academy in Rome in 1987. In 1997 he wrote the
theoretical essay on "The division of visual unity", which was
published by Stampa Alternativa. In 2000 and 2005 he received a grant
"Overseas Grantee" from the Pollock - Krasner Foundation of New York,
and in 2002 the prize Targetti Art Light Collection "White Sculpture".
He has created and installed permanent public sculptures in stainless
steel and optic fibres in various Italian cities. He currently teaches
at the Fine Arts Academy of "Brera" in Milan. He lives and works both
in Rome and Milan.
Opening Reception Wednesday, September 19 6pm
Swing Space
5 Hanover Square - New York
Free admission