Baden Projekt Berlin (2017-18)

In 2018 during my research fellowship at Z/KU the Center of Arts and Urbanistics I co-created and researched alongside Ben Nathan a series of immersive film installations within the residency, developing my understanding of immersive projection software within a series of 8 Exhibitions. We entitled the project Baden Projekt Berlin.

The work explores the changing state of water, to provide alternative perspectives on nature and the city. One of the primary concerns of our work is to bridge the gap between film documentary and film installation, creating a means to immerse the audience within a constructed environment, giving a sensory experience.

The work promotes the significance and the impact that water has on health and wellbeing. The project culminated in the need for both myself and Ben to find mindful ways to help combat the effects of ADHD and anxiety. We sort the solace of cold water swimming in the lakes within Berlin. Whilst doing this we interacted with the local communities who also undertook these activities and decided to document the experience and recreate it via digital media installation and experimentation.

BADEN, exhibition documentation, 4K video, 3’ 07”, 2017:

The "BADEN" exhibition documentation offers a captivating glimpse into a series of immersive experiences that took place in Berlin, Germany. In this particular instalment, the focus was on capturing the essence of bathing within the industrial landscape of Moabit, specifically at Plotzensee lake.

The footage showcases drone camera work, providing a bird's-eye view of the swimmer, Ben Nathan, as he navigated the waters of Plotzensee lake. The unique perspective allows viewers to witness the juxtaposition of nature and industry, highlighting the beauty and serenity of the natural environment amidst the backdrop of industrial infrastructure. As part of the exhibition's immersive approach, a soundscape was crafted, blending the sounds of nature with the ambient noises of industry.

The juxtaposition served to enhance the sensory experience, inviting viewers to contemplate coexistence of disparate elements within the urban landscape. The projection onto the surface of the water served as the focal point of the installation, enabling viewers to experience an immersive visual narrative that mirrors the sensory journey of the swimmer.

Through experimentation with projection technology, "BADEN" creates a multi-sensory experience that challenges perceptions and prompts reflection on the intersection of nature, industry, and human experience. We exhibited this work again at Vorspiel, Transmediale & CTM, ZK/U, Berlin, Germany, a digital media festival.

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BADEN, exhibition documentation, 4K video, 3’ 07”, 2017: Projection on water

BADEN, exhibition documentation, 4K video, 3’ 07”, 2017: The projected image onto water bounced back onto the ceiling, which was one of the main components we experimented with

BADEN TRIPTYCH, exhibition documentation, 3’ 00”, 2017:

The "BADEN TRIPTYCH" exhibition documentation captures a unique exploration of water systems within Behala Westhafen, situated in Berlin, Germany. The exhibition aimed to delve into the significance of water around Behala for its industry but also recreating swimming areas within an immersive installation.

We utilised a water pump to recycle to the top, the water flowed through three water containers downwards.At the heart of the exhibition lay a transformative experience, where visitors were invited to engage with three projectors projecting imagery onto water surfaces. This approach provided visual stimulation but also encouraged contemplation on the interconnectedness of water systems and human interaction.

Through the use of projection technology, the exhibition sought to blur the lines between reality and imagination, inviting viewers to reflect on their relationship with water and the environment. By creating a multisensory experience, "BADEN TRIPTYCH" aimed to provoke thought and evoke emotions as well as being a meditative and mindful experience.

The documentation offers a glimpse into this captivating exhibition, capturing moments of immersion and reflection as visitors navigate through the interplay of light, water, and imagery. "BADEN TRIPTYCH’S aim was to provoke inquiry and foster connections with the local community.

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BADEN TRIPTYCH, exhibition documentation, 3’ 00”, 2017: Here we utilised three projectors, using a water pump to recirculate the water

BADEN TRIPTYCH, exhibition documentation, 3’ 00”, 2017: A smoke machine was deployed times with the moving image projection and soundscape using sounds from the industrial areas of Bahala

BADEN TRIPTYCH, exhibition documentation, 3’ 00”, 2017:

BADEN NACHT, exhibition documentation, 2’ 27”, 2017:

The “BADEN NACHT” exhibition was an outdoor evening exhibition, here we sort to recreate the sensory experience of swimming at night. The exhibition again used projection on water, we utilised UV light and added fluorescent marker pens ink to illuminate the water.

The "BADEN NACHT" exhibition was an outdoor evening exhibition that aimed to recreate the sensory experience of swimming at night. Held in 2017, this immersive event sought to immerse audiences with a unique blend of visual and sensory elements.

At the heart of the exhibition was the recreation of the nocturnal swimming experience. Projection on water played a central role, casting visuals onto the surface. To enhance the immersive atmosphere, UV light was employed, illuminating the surroundings with an ethereal glow, fluorescent marker pen ink was introduced into the water, further enhancing the luminous effect and creating an interplay of light, liquid and moving image projection.

Visitors immersed themselves in the environment, they were enveloped by the sights and sounds of the night. "BADEN NACHT" was a sensory journey, inviting participants to explore the boundaries of perception and experience.

BADEN NACHT, exhibition documentation, 2’ 27”, 2017:

baden_nacht,_exhibition_documentation,_2’_27”,_2017 (1080p).mp4

ICE BADEN, exhibition documentation, 4K video, 4’ 29”, 2018:

"ICE BADEN" was an immersive audience participation exhibition aimed at submerging participants in the world of frozen water. The exhibit invited people to engage in bathing within a specially constructed plunge pool filled with ice, set within the exhibition space. In front of the frozen water, a pyramid made of perspex with a holographic image of a local cold water bather in the midst of their ritual was projected through the perspex, creating a fostering community connection with the audience.

Adjacent to the plunge pool, a roaring fire provided warmth, with towels readily available and whiskey on request, offering participants a cosy respite from the cold immersion experience. The entire experience was documented, capturing the reactions and interactions of participants as they engaged with the icy environment.

ICE BADEN, exhibition documentation, 4K video, 4’ 29”, 2018:

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ICE BADEN, exhibition documentation, 4K video, 4’ 29”, 2018:

ICE BADEN, exhibition documentation, 4K video, 4’ 29”, 2018: A local swimmer partisipated in the immersive exhibition

ICE BADEN, exhibition documentation, 4K video, 4’ 29”, 2018: Animated logo I created for the exhibition, using GreenScreen and After Effects, depicting a local swimmer

ICE BADEN, exhibition documentation, 4K video, 4’ 29”, 2018: Immersive bather takes part during the exhibition opening

ICE BADEN, exhibition documentation, 4K video, 4’ 29”, 2018: An adjacent projection was also used of a local bather swimming in a lake near by

EINBRECHER, exhibition documentation, 4’ 09”, 2018:

“EINBRECHER” explores the inhospitable nature of frozen lakes, emphasising the peril of bathing in sub-freezing temperatures. The film employs a montage technique synchronised with the eerie ambiance and peculiar sounds of the ice.

Through the installation, viewers are taken on a journey through the contrasting realms of day and night, showcasing ethereal environments. In the sequel, "Baden Nacht," UV lighting and frozen ice infused with fluorescent pen contents are utilised. Audience participation is encouraged as they break off pieces of ice at the beginning of the exhibit.

These ice fragments are mixed with Quinine, a natural substance found in tonic water, which glows under UV light. This interactive experience allows viewers to physically sense the coldness of the ice as they explore the exhibition space.

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einbrecher,_4’_09”,_2018 (1080p) (1).mp4

EINBRECHER, exhibition documentation, 4’ 09”, 2018: Audience at the opening of EINBRECHER

EINBRECHER, exhibition documentation, 4’ 09”, 2018:

EINBRECHER, exhibition documentation, 4’ 09”, 2018: Fluecent. paint and UV fluorescent ce

EINBRECHER, exhibition documentation, 4’ 09”, 2018: Exhibition opening

EINBRECHER, exhibition documentation, 4’ 09”, 2018: Frozen ice using the ink from fluorescent pens mixed with water, illuminated by UV light

EINBRECHER, exhibition documentation, 4’ 09”, 2018: Audience enjoy the frozen ice which was a mix tonic quinine that natually illuminates with UV lighting. The audience could request GIN with it!

EINBRECHER, exhibition documentation, 4’ 09”, 2018: Exhibition took place in the basement of Center for Art and Urbanistics

FIRE AND ICE, 6’ 37”, 2018:

“FIRE AND ICE" to document the experience of local berlin swimmers. Which is an old tradition and ritual within berlin. Berlin has many beautiful lakes offering an escape from the urban environment.

Here he documented the experience of these local swimmers swimming in a frozen lake to exhibit as a film installation. Each exhibition we had was a chance to invite the local participants of this activity fostering community connection within an immersive experience.

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FIRE AND ICE, 6’ 37”, 2018:

FIRE AND ICE, 6’ 37”, 2018: One of the local swimmers

FIRE AND ICE, 6’ 37”, 2018: One of the local swimmers bathing in a frozen lake, a tradition in Berlin especially within the older generation

FIRE AND ICE, 6’ 37”, 2018:

FIRE AND ICE, 6’ 37”, 2018: The name fire and Ice came from exploring the extremities of this experience documenting this rutual, Burnt a local swimmer brought a mirror to reflect the sun and create fire

FIRE AND ICE, 6’ 37”, 2018: Fire and Ice

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