The internationally renowned artist Carsten Nicolai will present a new work during Art Basel's Hong Kong show. Each night from May 15 to 17, 2014, α (alpha) pulse's generated light pattern will pulsate in a synchronized frequency across the entire façade of Hong Kong’s iconic 490 meter high International Commerce Centre (ICC) on the Kowloon harbor front. An accompanying mobile phone application will allow audiences to participate in the light installation.
Like a lighthouse, the tower will send its pulses into the city, reaching out to Hong Kong residents and visitors. α (alpha) pulse is an experimental construction that looks at the effects of audiovisual stimulation on the human perception. In accordance with scientific research, α (alpha) pulse is based on the principles of neural feedback on pulsating light sources. The work presents an experiential set-up that explores the effects that the light impulses might have on the mood, relaxation, attention, and creativity of viewers.
Visible from numerous locations across Hong Kong and accessible via the app, α (alpha) pulse can be experienced by people all over the city. Designed by Nicolai, the app will provide the audio for the installation and respond to the light display on the ICC, adding another layer to the installation. Recommended public places to watch α (alpha) pulse are Tamar Park, Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park and the terrace on Podium 3 and 4 of the IFC Mall.
Carsten Nicolai lives and works in Berlin and Chemnitz, Germany. His work is influenced by scientific reference systems and mathematic patterns, and has been presented at Documenta X and the Venice Biennale. He has previously performed his audio-visual pieces at MoMA and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Centre Pompidou in Paris, and Tate Modern in London. Nicolai was recently awarded the Grand Prize by The 17th Japan Media Arts Festival. The artist is represented by Galerie EIGEN + ART, Leipzig/Berlin and Pace Gallery, New York.
α (alpha) pulse is commissioned and organized by Art Basel. For more information on the project, please visit artbasel.com/hongkong/special-event.
α (alpha) pulse schedule:
May 15-17, 8:30pm – 9:20pm, light display
-Art Basel Hong Kong
