Carsten Nicolai
dal 1/7/2009 al 25/9/2009
Segnalato da
1/7/2009
Carsten Nicolai
Ernst Schering Foundation, Berlin
The Ernst Schering Foundation opens its own project space for exhibitions, lectures and workshops. The project space is conceived as a space for experimental and interdisciplinary approaches in the arts and sciences, and opens with an exhibition entitled 'rota', by Carsten Nicolai. The installation deals with the effects of the so-called neuro-feedback on human perception. Taking his cues from the dreamachines or mind machines developed by Brion Gysin since the 1950s in the context of the Beatnik movement to alter the viewers' state of consciousness through the emission of alpha waves, Nicolai presents a test set-up, where visitors can experience for themselves how the brain responds to different visual (and acoustic) phenomena.
By relocating to new premises at Unter den Linden 32-34, the Ernst Schering Foundation strengthens its
operational activities and opens its own project space for exhibitions, lectures and workshops at the interface
of art and science. The project space, which will be open to the public free of charge, is conceived as a
space for experimental and interdisciplinary approaches in the arts and sciences and reflects the programs
and activities of the Ernst Schering Foundation.
Since 2004, the Foundation has put an increased emphasis
on the dialogue between disciplines. In addition to interdisciplinary lecture series and workshops, the space
is primarily intended to provide a showcase for “Art as Research.” The Foundation also increasingly engages
in collaborations with national and international art and research institutions as well as other foundations.
The project space will be opened with an exhibition entitled rota, by Carsten Nicolai, on July 2, 2009, at 7
p.m. The work of the internationally renowned artist and musician is a perfect example of the goals of the
Ernst Schering Foundation, which seeks to promote outstanding artistic positions and scientific research.
The work rota was commissioned by the Ernst Schering Foundation specifically for this project space. The
installation, which sees itself as an experiment, deals with the effects of the so-called neuro-feedback on
human perception. Taking his cues from the dreamachines or mind machines developed by Brion Gysin
since the 1950s in the context of the Beatnik movement to alter the viewers’ state of consciousness through
the emission of alpha waves, Carsten Nicolai presents a test set-up, where visitors can experience for
themselves how the brain responds to different visual (and acoustic) phenomena.
rota is a cylinder approximately 260 cm high and 170 cm in diameter, that rotates around its own axis and
whose surface is perforated with a specially designed pattern. As cold light radiates from inside the cylinder,
a stroboscopic effect is produced through the body’s rotation. Depending on the rotation speed, there are
different frequencies of pulsating light, which can also be transformed into acoustic information. According to
scientific research, these impulses can directly affect the brain waves of the visitors and thus cause a
neuronal feedback, which can produce different mental states – such as trance, hypnosis or meditation.
Speakers at the exhibition opening will be Prof. Dr. Reinhard Kurth, chairman of the Foundation Council of
the Ernst Schering Foundation and former president of the Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, and Prof. Dr.
Christina Weiss, member of the Foundation Council of the Ernst Schering Foundation and chairwoman of the
Society of Friends of the Berlin National Gallery. The artist will be present.
Note: rota uses stroboscopic light. Epileptics are advised not to visit the exhibition.
For further information, please contact: artpress – Ute Weingarten
Phone: +49 (0)30 2196 1843
Fax: +49 (0)30 2196 1847
artpress@uteweingarten.de -
http://www.artpress-uteweingarten.de
Press Talk: Wednesday, July 1, 11 a.m.
Opening exhibition: July 2, 2009, 7 p.m.
Ernst Schering Foundation
Unter den Linden 32-Berlin
Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Exhibition closing: September 27, 2009, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Free entrance