ARS ELECTRONICA ARCHIVE - PRIX

The Prix Ars Electronica Showcase is a collection where all the artist submissions for the Prix since 1987 can be searched and viewed. The winning projects are documented with extensive information and audio-visual media. ALL other submissions are displayed with a basic metadata in list form.

Interactive Art Goldene Nica - Golden Nica 2009

Nemo Observatorium

Lawrence Malstaf

Styrofoam beads are blown around in a big transparent PVC cylinder by five strong fans. Visitors can take seat on the armchair in the middle of the whirlpool or observe from the outside one at a time. On the chair, in the eye of the storm, it is calm and safe. Spectacular at first sight, this installation turns out to mesmerize like a kind of meditation machine. One can follow the seemingly cyclical patterns, focus on the different layers of 3D pixels or listen to its waterfall sound. One could call it a training device, challenging the visitor to stay centered and to find peace in a fast-changing environment. After a while the space seems to expand and one’s sense of time becomes confused.

Links: http://www.fortlaan17.com/eng/artists/malstaf

Courtesy Galerie Fortlaan 17, Gent (BE); Supported by: Vlaamse Gemeenschap, Vlaamse Gemeenschapscommissie, Norsk Kulturrad, Hotel Pro Forma, Damaged Goods, LOD, Halogaland Theater, Liaisons Dangereuses
Courtesy Galerie Fortlaan 17, Gent (BE)
Supported by: Vlaamse Gemeenschap, Vlaamse Gemeenschapscommissie, Norsk Kulturrad, Hotel Pro Forma, Damaged Goods, LOD, Halogaland Theater, Liaisons Dangereuses
Courtesy Galerie Fortlaan 17, Gent (BE)
Supported by: Vlaamse Gemeenschap, Vlaamse Gemeenschapscommissie, Norsk Kulturrad, Hotel Pro Forma, Damaged Goods, LOD, Halogaland Theater, Liaisons Dangereuses

Lawrence Malstaf (BE), born 1972, started off in theatre. He designed scenographies for choreographers and directors such as Benoît Lachambre, Meg Stuart and Kirsten Delholm. Soon he developed more into installation and performance art with a strong focus on movement, coincidence, order and chaos. Later he created larger mobile environments dealing with space and orientation, often using the visitor as a co-actor. His projects often involve advanced technology as a point of departure or inspiration but also to activate the installations.