Rotating cylinder with engraved and perforated stainless steel surface, light, sound, 2009

A bright light shines from inside a rotating cylinder through perforated holes and creates a stroboscopic effect. A text on the all claims that these impulses may have a direct effect on the brain waves of the spectator as the light impulse frequencies can stimulate different mental states. The work questions the trust in our senses and in scientific experiments.

About the artist

Carsten Nicolai, born 1965 in Karl-Marx-Stadt, is part of an artist generation that works intensively in the transitional area between art and science. As a visual artist Nicolai seeks to overcome the separation of the art forms and genres through a holistic approach. He strives to overcome the separation of the sense perceptions by, for example, making sound and light frequencies perceivable for both eyes and ears, to sensitise the viewer to the connection of the different sensory levels. Other aspects of his works include the integration of error and chance as well as the implementation of mathematical, physical or natural phenomena and theories. He also has a special interest in so-called self-organising processes like the growing of snow crystals.

Following participation in major international exhibitions like documenta X and the 49th and 50th Venice Biennial, Nicolai’s works were shown in two comprehensive solo exhibitions at Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt, Germany (anti reflex) and at Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin, Germany (syn chron) in 2005. In 2007 he had further extensive shows in Zurich and New York. For several years Carsten Nicolai has been experimenting with sound under the pseudonym noto to create his own code of signs, acoustic and visual symbols. As alva noto he leads those experiments into the field of electronic music.
Further information: Carsten Nicolai

TRUST
30 July–5 September 2010

Dortmunder U – Centre for Art and Creativity
Floor U3
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