EKO
The galactic premiere of the audiovisual performance EKO will be performed in the splendid void of total darkness. Erasing the audience’s perceptual boundaries, this absolute absence of light is interrupted for only fractions of seconds with bursts of micro-animated geometric forms emanating from an LED wall display. Returning again to darkness, abundant retinal afterimage impressions unravel within each viewer’s eyes, slowly fading and fusing with the surrounding darkness until the eventual next eruption of light. Attuned to the fragile nature of these ghostly retinal afterimages, the piece’s ambient electronic soundscape gently diffuses through the space with occasional infra bass density.
New York-based Austrian artist Kurt Hentschläger creates audiovisual installations and performances. Between 1992 and 2003 he collaborated with Ulf Langheinrich in the pioneering artist duo Granular-Synthesis. EKO is the third work in his ongoing series staged in complete darkness. Beginning with the 2017 installation SOL and the recently premiered 2019 installation SUB, EKO is a dedicated live performance within this body of work.
Main Image: SUB. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Nichole Stoddard / Mana Contemporary.
Dates + Tickets
NOTE: You will not be able to bring light-emitting devices into the venue.
EKO can only take place in absolute darkness. Even the slightest light will disturb the performance and you will be required to leave all devices and potential light sources (cell phones, watches, etc.) with our staff.
Secure check-in/check-out for your devices will be provided at the entrance of Studio 2.
NO REFUNDS/EXCHANGES.
EMPAC Fall 2019
Season
Co-commissioned by: OK - Center for Contemporary Art, Linz, Austria. CTM Festival Berlin.
EMPAC Fall 2019 presentations, residencies, and commissions are made possible by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, with additional support from the National Endowment for the Arts; New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature; and the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts. Additional project support by the New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation; the NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowship Program; and Creative Scotland.