A Moment in Motion

Written by Marga Cheng

Amidst the commotion through the bustling streets below, Jennifer Steinkamp’s Still Life has created a digital forest within Lehmann Maupin’s exhibition space in Central; the gallery will exhibit the artist’s works from September 19 – October 26, 2019. Coming all the way from Los- Angeles, Steinkamp is widely known for her 3-Dimensional works. The artist’s immense skill in using new media has allowed her to become one of the leading digital artists of our time. With the help of projectors, Steinkamp architectural spaces available in order to create interactive works that allow viewers to step into her digital installations.

From the works presented in the gallery, there is no doubt that Steinkamp’s pieces are one of a kind. Her installations are eye catching to viewers of different ages and artistic backgrounds with the help of color, shape, and movement. Yet, the works also have the ability to invite the audience to think past the aesthetic pleasures presented. The selection of the three works at the gallery entices us to ponder on concepts of space and time; this is done through the use of constantly moving solid or abstract objects recorded into a video clip, which are eventually projected onto the large flat white walls. As the installation collides with the gallery, the objects used within the work become enlarged and amplified to introduce the idea of space. Visitors are even encouraged to sit on some bean bags and watch how the works move throughout time within the gallery.

Undoubtably, the installation’s use of projectors allows a whole new experience for the audience. The three works are all projected onto the walls with the lights dimmed in order to minimize any other light from disturbing the projections. Not only does this sharpen the colors of the projector, but the dark atmosphere sets a mystical mood as the installation dances around the wall in the darkness. But what allows the works to come to life is the fact that the projectors sit at about shoulder height, giving viewers the chance to step between the projectors and the walls. With this, the audience becomes a part of the work as their silhouette shines on the wall — replacing a section of the work.

Lehmann Maupin fully utilizes the works within their space; the two larger projections are clearly well planned to fit together as an exhibition, but at the same time have their own individual experience to offer viewers. As you walk down the narrow hall that leads you to the gallery, visitors see a glimpse of Retinal 2 (2018) through the rectangular glass window. This work is the most vibrant of the three as it draws in guests with its abstract glass-like shapes in colors of pink, green and purple. Entering the gallery, you find that the door comes right before the glass window of colors and movement and instead leads you to a towering wall with Still-Life projected onto it. The more familiar, yet humongous, flowers and fruit steals your attention as it was intended to be the centerpiece of the exhibition. With the help of the walls, the two installations are blocked off from each other, thus allowing visitors to take one work in at a time. The gallery does an excellent job in creating such a balance between two striking works. However, near the meek corner sits the third installation Blind Eye 2 (2019). In contrast to the previous works, this one presents a single tree removed from the earlier rendition. This piece, perhaps, draws less attention from the audience as it shares the same section as the exhibition’s center piece. With the gallery’s lack of wall texts, this part of the exhibition has a harder explaining itself to visitors unfamiliar to Stienkamp’s works. With better understanding of the work, however, viewers may appreciate the depiction of changing seasons in such an isolated and focused state.

Minus these smaller details, the exhibition captures the artistry of Jennifer Steinkamp and truly highlights her role as the forerunner of digital media. It is an appealing and hopeful look towards the future that draws in kids and adults alike. As the city hustles beneath and above, the digital flora, fruit and abstract objects are a modern garden escape from the noise and clamor whether you may be coming from work, school or a day of shopping. The small gallery is worth a visit and will not take much of your time — unless you choose to take a seat and watch the works move and move and move.