Perception.
“It’s a word with multiple meanings that cross over between my light art and photography. Perception can address the visual system from a biological and physiological point, in the way our eyes and brains interpret the stimuli surrounding us. This is something that I like to question through my light art, be creating situations and environments that challenge the visual system and push its limitations. Perception is also a cultural and individual variable when it comes to viewing particular media. Our gender, race and social background will determine how we interpret different symbols and situations.”
I’ve got to know Michael through his Exchanging Complements artwork where he lets the public experience the scientific effect of lights on a more artistic and physiological level. The viewer is immerged in a bath of colour lights and sensations. Indeed I thing is deeply interesting to see and know what the viewer next to you felt. In the video you can see the visual effect created by Michael’s installation. Of course in order to 100% experience the effects of the coloured after image, colour adaptation and altered spatial perception, the installation needs to be lived in person.
“Exchanging Complements 02 was exhibited as part of the ‘Handmade in Germany 2012‘ exhibition at the Direktorenhaus in Berlin, Germany. The installation is an adaptation of the first ‘Exchanging Complements’ which was exhibited in Frankfurt at the Luminale 2012. This work is an installation which reveals various visual phenomena experienced when complementary colours are used in combination. An enclosed white room is used as the canvas for the installation. The three traditional primary colours, red, yellow and blue are presented and exchanged with their respective complementary colour in a continuous loop of visual stimuli. Upon entering the space participants are presented with a hyper real colour saturated environment, which will challenge their notions of how the brain interprets visual signals; including coloured after image, colour adaptation and spatial perception. In order to accommodate the installation within the space, a luminous object was constructed, which in turn illuminated the space with coloured light. The accompanying soundtrack assisting in creative a meditative environment in which to experience colour.”
In his art production Michael mixes and connects physical and visual experiences that generate personal sensations, which are also engaging food for thought!
Michael Dooney is an Aussie cultural professional with a strong passion for his country based in Berlin. Thanks to an admirable crowd founding campaign he’s establishing Berlin’s first gallery dedicated to promoting the work of contemporary photographers from Australia and New Zealand: Galeria Pavlova.
A bit of ‘hot’ talents to warm up the cold& snowy Berlin! Don’t miss the opening, February 28th! Galerie Pavlova is pleased to present Between Worlds from Melbourne based photographer Polixeni Papapetrou.
For all the info click here. If you’re in Berlin you should definitely stop by!