Stillness is a thirteen-foot translucent fulldome sculpture installation. It is composed of a three-channel fulldome video system, a four channel surround audio system, microscopic photography, close-up digital scans, a twelve foot cotton white round carpet and perfume.
Photo: Jeff Hazelden
Stillness focuses in the adaptation of wildflower pollen to our human-altered ecosystems. Their life, sexuality and molecular mutation.
The adaptation of the natural architecture is interpreted by poems I wrote and narrated by the voice of artist Natalia Sanchez.
CRISPR/Cas9 genome modification technology is also revealed in these poems. Scientific facts such as Stomata mutation, the current atmospheric CO2 increase and global warming are transformed into an enveloping four-channel surround soundscape designed by artist James D. MacDonald III.
The fulldome visuals contain photographic visualizations in sub-micrometer scale of real mutated pollen grain molecules. We studied this mutation using a confocal microscope in collaboration with the The Department of Molecular Genetics at The Ohio State University.
Digital scans of the parent plants contained in Petri dishes are also included.
This installation offers visitors a space for immersive relaxation. Mainly to test phenomenological perception and awareness. It is an experiment to test how it feels to physically enter a mutating molecular dimension and remain still, if possible.
Urban Arts Space, Columbus Ohio, 2018
OSU Urban Arts Space, Columbus Ohio, March 3, 2018
OSU Urban Arts Space, Columbus Ohio, 2018
Audience becomes aware of their active participation and their collective experience by acknowledging the fact of being watched by those outside the dome. The visual access to the molecular dimensions of flower pollen used in this work, raises the audience collective perception to new heights of immersive bliss.
OSU Urban Arts Space, Columbus Ohio, March 3, 2018
Photo: Kate Sweeney
SPECIAL THANKS TO
Ken Rinaldo, Amy Youngs, Alex Oliszewski, Dr. Sarah Iles Johnston, James D. MacDonald III, Natalia Sanchez, Terry Hanlon, Dr. Anna Dobritsa, Ph.D. Andrew Kirkpatrick, Ph.D. Alecia Biel, The Department of Molecular Genetics at The Ohio State University
Photo: Jeff Hazelden
INSPIRATIONS FOR STILLNESS:
OTHER WORKS BY AXEL CUEVAS SANTAMARÍA:
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