Yesterday, I had the great pleasure of seeing "Ouroboros: A History of the Universe," a stunning 3D multimedia installation by Ali Hossaini and SWEATSHOPPE, and curated by Kóan Jeff Baysa, MD. The show is at ISE Cultural Foundation, a space that is subterranean and therefore absolutely perfect for the dark, mesmeric experience housed within.
Upon entering the gallery, the viewer is given a pair of 3D glasses, and encouraged to sit on floor cushions placed in front of each of the streaming wall projections. Several of the pieces are technicolor geometrical light beams which metamorphose and bloom - like the most sophisticated, multidimensional screen savers imaginable. Watching them is like meditating before a kinetic mandala or astral projecting through tunnels of laser filigree. But the piece de resistance is the massive triptych at the back of the room, which is a 30 minute loop of over 30,000 images, collaged together and streaming in layered black, red, blue, and yellow. This work is a psychedelic visual ode to evolution - both scientific and spiritual - and cycles through a barrage of pictures and footage like some sort of fluid primer of Earth. Stars, sea creatures, cars, birds, brands - it's all here, and watching them float and flash rhythmically in 3D is both entrancing and rather moving. Also worth mentioning is the ambiant soundtrack that fills the gallery, which is the chugging, hypnotic cherry on top of this sensory feast.
In sum, Ouroboros: A History of the Universe is not to be missed. It's up until April 23rd, and there will be an artist talk on Wednesday, April 7th from 6-8pm. Run, don't walk.
Thank you so much for drawing my attention to this. I will definitely have to see it!
Posted by: Dana | March 26, 2010 at 11:10 AM
Jesus H., seriously seriously why can I not teleport to NY RIGHT NOW. This looks FANTASTIC.
Posted by: Renée A.D. | April 01, 2010 at 01:13 PM