Currents (Untitled)

Working for curator and trans-disciplinary artist Karel Burssens, Currents was initially designed and presented as a dance performance in 2019 and later adapted and presented as a light sculpture.

Karel approached me in early 2018 during the early stages of design and planning and asked me to advise and assist on the lighting design and direction for both the original dance performance and later adaptation to UNTITLED.

Please find the full project description from Karel as follows:

UNTITLED (CURRENTS), a double intelligent motor, aluminium, paint, led lights, water, algae, 2021

A light sculpture moves in the dark. Gradual variations in the light and the sculpture's behaviour create ever-changing perceptions of the space. This spatial experience is accompanied by the orchestrated rhythm of the machine and a custom-made soundtrack. The dynamic composition of light and sound immerses the viewer in a spherical and disorienting bath of light.

The installation at large unfolds like a hypnotic pendulum, where the spectator inevitably becomes part of the work, simply by being present. Due to this, the tension between the rotating machine and the space, between object and spectator, is made tangible.
Through the relationship between man and machine, the installation wants to reveal our contemporary position as entities that are forced to constantly adapt. How do we continuously find a new balance in an environment that is always subject to shifts, on both a technological and socio-political level?

This new version builds on the performance Currents, a duet between man and machine, which premiered at Vooruit in 2019.

CREDITS

Concept and direction: Karel Burssens
Light designed with: Cate Carter, Kristof De Dycker
Music written by: Daniel Brandt
Music performed by: Ruth Velten (Soprano- & Baritone-Saxophone), Simon Goff (Violin), Andreas Voss (Cello), Florian Juncker (Trombone), Daniel Brandt (Guitar, Bass, Synths, Drums, Piano)
Music published by: Erased Tapes Music Ltd
Photography by: Jeroen Verrecht
Production sculpture: Fisheye
Production: Hiros

All images by Jeroen Verrecht.

No part of this video may be used for any purpose other than personal use, unless explicit authorisation is given by Karel Burssens.
© Karel Burssens