This groundbreaking, cross-disciplinary exhibition will be Japanese artist Ryoichi Kurokowa’s first UK solo show and will bring together the fields of art and science.
Astrophysicists at the Research Institute into the Fundamental Laws of the Universe (CEA Irfu, Paris-Saclay) have granted Kurokawa the unique opportunity to explore data taken from giant molecular clouds in space - data which may hold the secrets behind the birth of stars. Using these previously undocumented findings, Kurokawa has developed a new body of work, unfold. The exhibition at FACT marks the world premiere of bringing this data to life.
New commission, unfold, explores the birth and evolution of stars offering viewers an artistic, yet scientific, representation of how the solar system was born, and how our galaxy might evolve. Kurokawa will construct his vision of a molecular cloud as close as possible to the scientific truth using striking 3D representations of space, combined with interpretations of how star clusters form within the cloud until the birth of sun-like stars.
This new project will be presented as a large scale multi-screen and surround sound work in Gallery 1, as well as other iterations throughout the FACT building and surrounding area. Cutting edge audiovisual technology will be used to enhance the artist’s breath-taking reimagining of scientific data and its accompanying soundscape.
This exhibition marks the outcome of a period of extensive research from Ryoichi Kurokawa, in collaboration with Vincent Minier, astrophysicist at CEA Irfu, Paris Saclay.
Ryoichi Kurokawa is known for his stunning performances and multi-screen installations. His concert pieces, video, recordings and installations have been shown across the world at international festivals and museums from Tate Modern to the Venice Biennale. His vast time-based works create, mesmerising environments which take on the appearance of sculpture, combining audio and visual in spectacular, synchronised experiences where sound and image become a single unit.
This show will present a unique dialogue between science and art that will allow audience members to learn about cosmic phenomena and the formation of the solar system. It will offer a platform for scientists and astrophysicists to open up their research to the public and raise awareness about their years of intense work, whilst pioneering multi-disciplinary research to create a groundbreaking and unforgettable audiovisual artwork.
unfold is co-commissioned between FACT, Stereolux and University of Salford Art Collection, with the support of CEA Irfu, Paris-Saclay, Arcadi and DICRéAM. With support from the Goethe-Institut London.
Epilepsy warning: this work may trigger seizures, discretion is advised for visitors with photosensitive epilepsy.
Produced by Studio Ryoichi Kurokawa - ryoichikurokawa.com
Concept, direction, composition, programming, design: Ryoichi Kurokawa Producer: Nicolas Wierinck
Programming: Hiroshi Matoba
ScientificAdvisor: Vincent Minier, astrophysicist at CEA Irfu, Paris-Saclay
Scientific Datasets: CEA (Herschel HOBYS, COAST, Frédéric Bournaud, Sacha Brun, Pascal Tremblin, Patrick Hennebelle, Rémi Hosseini-Kazeroni), ESA, NASA, BLAST Experiment, SuperCOSMOS H-alpha Survey
Partners and funders: Stereolux, Nantes; Arcadi, Paris; CEA Irfu – Paris-Saclay; DICRéAM, Paris; Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation, London; Japan Society, London; Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, London; Royal Liverpool Philharmonic; Sound City, Liverpool; Sedition, London; EU Japan Fest.
11 March 2016 - 15 June 2016
3 x HD Projector (custom sync playback), 6.2 sound system.
“A blackened room with three separate screens cascading vertically over the audience, like a tidal wave makes for an incredible piece of video installation, flawlessly installed I can’t imagine the work involved to make this look so effortless. The room is carpeted in black and the walls soundproofed, containing this overwhelming presence of sound, vibration, and vision. An excellent video installation with world class presentation, a real care for the work and attention to detail is obvious here. Again, the presentation and execution is world class.” - Arts Council England
New commission, unfold, explored the birth and evolution of stars offering viewers an artistic, yet scientific, representation of how the solar system was born, and how our galaxy might evolve. Kurokawa constructed his vision of a molecular cloud as close as possible to the scientific truth using striking 3D representations of space, combined with interpretations of how star clusters form within the cloud until the birth of sun-like stars.
2 x 75" HD Monitors (custom sync software), 2.1 ch sound system.
constrained surface delivered a synaesthetic experience through its unison of light, colour, sound and movement as well as exploring the surprising possibilities of what can be experienced within the boundaries of a frame.
By playing with the confines of a screen almost in the way a painter would play with the limits of a canvas, this work highlights the way in which Kurokawa deftly uses digital methods and tools (as well as commercial technology) to articulate his work. He does so whilst ensuring that the technological elements never overshadow the expression within the piece, but rather enhance the artistic experience, creating moments of surprise and wonder
Produced by Studio Ryoichi Kurokawa - ryoichikurokawa.com
Concept, direction, composition, programming, design: Ryoichi Kurokawa Producer: Nicolas Wierinck
Programming: Hiroshi Matoba
Scientific Advisor: Vincent Minier, astrophysicist at CEA Irfu, Paris-Saclay
Scientific Datasets: CEA (Herschel HOBYS, COAST, Frédéric Bournaud, Sacha Brun, Pascal Tremblin, Patrick Hennebelle, Rémi Hosseini-Kazeroni), ESA, NASA, BLAST Experiment, SuperCOSMOS H-alpha Survey
Partners and funders: Stereolux, Nantes; Arcadi, Paris; CEA Irfu – Paris-Saclay; DICRéAM, Paris; Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation, London; Japan Society, London; Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, London; Royal Liverpool Philharmonic; Sound City, Liverpool; Sedition, London; EU Japan Fest.
Photography: Jon Barraclough