EUROPEAN MEDIA ART FESTIVAL · 7-11 MAY 1997 · OSNABRÜCK

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Exhibition

Art Gallery Dominikanerkirche

Between 7th and 25th May, video installations and interactive objects will be exhibited in the Art Gallery Dominikanerkirche, where social, cultural or perception specific aspects will find artistic expression in a variety of different forms.

Under Lock and Key, the impressive installation from Beth B (USA), takes a central theme from her own artistic work as its subject: violence acted out on victims and offenders. Staged in four narrow cells, and barely lit by a single naked light bulb, the monotonous voice of an prisoner can be heard reflecting upon his life behind bars. Behind the cells the visitor is confronted with two video projections with statements from both victims and offenders alike.

The Japanese environmental artist, Keiichi Tanaka, creates a totally different kind of experientialspace. With his laser installation, Luminous - Cosmic Rays, he leads the visitor through an imaginary world of light and sound. Using a Geiger counter, both cosmic rays, and rays given off by substances and objects of a more earthly origin, are measured and transformed into a symphony of lasers, light objects, video projections and sound effects.

In the case of Clea T. Waite (D/USA) spatiality and non-space is the subject of her work. Here the visitor is surrounded by four life-sized stereoscopic projections depicting dancers. The actors move in and out of the 3-D field of projection and sometimes even appear to nearly enter and cross the area where the observer is. The borders between reality and perception combine in the artistic setting in a particularly wonderful manner.

Retinal Memory Volume from Luke Jerram (GB),uses the area behind the eye as a "projection Screen" for his work based on the principle of the effect of the after image; this being the state after a strong light source hits the eye, burning its image onto the retina.

Of Lotus A from Pamela Susan Hawkins (USA), is an installation in the spirit of a ready-made Duchamps, where in an experimental and poetic manner, the artist pursues the natural and technological poles which influence our existence. Here she uses the flower of the Lotus Blossom as a metaphor for transformation, isolation and the obsession of perception.

Kissing from Sera Furneaux (GB) is an interactive installation which consists of a "Kissing Booth" (like a passport photo booth) and a large projection in the form of a "Kissing Room." Kissing enables you to look and observe and it fascinates and hypnotises through its minimalistic but very powerful presentation of direct emotions.

Video Circle is an installation with TV sets forming a circle. Seven Hong Kong artists contributed works specially created for this installation. The themes of the videos range from political to art specific works.

As a part of the Student Forum more installations can be seen in both the Haus der Jugend and the old defence tower, the "Bürgergehorsam" during the festival 7th to 11th of May.

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© 1997 Apr 9 EMAF - emaf@bionic.zerberus.de