The EYE Film Institute is located in one of the most compelling buildings of Amsterdam and is known for its large collection of both Dutch and international movies and video art. Beside the cinema, EYE also hosts temporary exhibitions. From the 15th of September until the 2nd of December 2018, the institute is currently presenting an exhibition by the Japanese sound and visual artist Ryoji Ikeda.
Ryoji Ikeda is an electric composer who became one of the most significant figures in the field of image, sound and computer data. Apart from a large discography and a great number of publications, Ikeda has had many solo exhibitions all over the world.
The Ryoji Ikeda-exhibition showcases seven outstanding minimalistist installations that Ikeda has created by using aspects of mathematics, mechanics, data and light. With the artworks the artist generates an out-of-this-world experience due to the precise combination of sound and image, giving the visitors an intense contact with light.
The exposition begins with an installation called data.scan. as a part of a series called datamatics. The installation is screened on a monitor, mapping the data gathered from the DNA of a human body and the astronomic data, such as coordinates of stars and planets.
The second installation of Ikeda’s exhibition is 4’33”, inspired by the composition by John Cage with the same name. 4’33” shows a 16mm filmstrip that is exactly four minutes and 33 seconds long.
Data.gram [n°1] is another piece presented by Ikeda, that projects abstract images from data sets on the floor. This installation creates an exceptional opportunity for the visitors to become a part of the projection by standing in front of the art piece where data.gram [n°1] is projected.
Ikeda created data.tron [3 SXGA+ version] exclusively for the exhibition in the EYE Institute. This video piece is projected on a giant screen showing the infinity of data between 0 and 1. The projection shows various different sounds and images created by mathematical rules.
The fifth art piece in the exhibition, under the name of grid.system [n°1-a], is part of a project called systematics. The installation displays images of systematic patterns, that are used to record information.
Further, the exhibition takes the recipient to explore a projection with the title point of no return, a black circle surrounded by white light. The contrast between the black and white and the extreme light creates an intense experience. It is noteworthy that this installation was also exclusively created for the EYE Institute.
Lastly, the final piece of the unique installation artworks is the radar [3 WUXGA version A] Here, Ikeda projects images through scientific instruments. The installation is presented on a giant screen, displaying various images of star systems, planets and weather patterns, accomplished by electronic bleeps.
The quality of the Ryoji Ikeda-exhibition surely is at a high standard and it provides its visitors an unforgettable experience. The projections of space, sound and light presented by Ryoji establish a new, modern way of appreciating technology in minimalism art.
- Reporter (Fall 2018)
