29.03.22
A powerful, immersive art
experience that taps into the ‘limitless potential of the human mind’ is coming
to Cardiff in May as part of the UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK festival.
Dreamachine, presented at the
Temple of Peace in Cathays Park between May 12 and June 18, is inspired by a
little-known 1959 creation by artist-inventor Brion Gysin. His experimental device
used flickering light to create vivid illusions, kaleidoscopic patterns and
explosions of colour in the mind of the viewer.
The 21st Century equivalent
is a seated experience, between an hour and 90 minutes long, that is designed
to be ‘seen’ with your eyes closed. It will lead audiences through an immersive
environment of light and sound, as vibrant and as dazzling as any digital
simulation, but created by and unique to every individual.
It has been created by Collective
Act, bringing together Turner Prize-winning artists Assemble, Grammy and Mercury-nominated
composer Jon Hopkins and a team of leading technologists, scientists and
philosophers.
Jennifer Crook,
from Collective Act, said: “Dreamachine will engage audiences across ages and
cultures in a powerful new kind of collective experience. The rich
kaleidoscopic world of the Dreamachine will come from within, providing a
magical insight into the extraordinary potential of your own mind.
“Beyond the
confines of screens or devices, our programme will creatively explore the most
fundamental of human connections: how we perceive and make sense of the world
around us. To explore one of the greatest remaining mysteries to humankind... all
you need to do is to close your eyes.”
Dreamachine is
being launched in London on May 10 and will also appear at venues in Belfast
and Edinburgh through the summer. The historic Cardiff venue has been chosen
because it was built, in the wake of the First World War, as a place of inspiration,
actively furthering the causes of international peace.
“The experience
will live within this magnificent Art Deco civic temple,” said Jennifer, “providing
audiences with a unique and poignant setting for internal reflection.”
A Cardiff Council
spokesperson added: “This project will provide an opportunity for people in the
city to participate in a fully immersive experience which will inspire
questions, boost creativity and provide hours of fun. We are really excited
about being able to host this experience.”
Tickets for the Dreamachine are free and have
been released today to anyone over 18 who wants to take part in the experience.
Tickets must be booked in advance through www.dreamachine.world