Matthew C. Robinson - Highlights

Highlights

MATTHEW C. ROBINSON

Apolune Systems Normal

Documentation Film Installation & Perfomance

APT Gallery, Feb 2026

Apolune: Systems Normal is a multidisciplinary interrogation of humanity’s relationship with progress, using the Apollo 11 mission as a prism to explore the dissonance between institutional ambition and the granular realities of individual lives. By reimagining NASA’s archival materials through a neurodivergent lens, the work critiques the flattening effect of dominant historical narratives while celebrating the intricate human labour embedded within institutional records.

The work combines live performance and interactive installation across three interconnected zones, moving visitors from the threshold of physical record-keeping through a transitional sensory corridor and into the main performance and installation space. Technical systems — including gesture-controlled audio-visuals driven by a theremin, multi-surface projection mapping, and tactile archival encounters — function as active collaborators rather than passive delivery mechanisms.

Accessibility is embedded at a foundational level, supported through initial R&D with CRIPtic Arts. Adult-centric relaxed design, physical sensory maps, and multiple sensory entry points ensure visitors engage with the material on their own terms.

Glacial Waters

Documentation Film Installation 6,35" 2018

Almaty, Kazakhstan

ART BAT FEST

(Click on film below)

DYCP_glacial_waters,_exhibition_documentation,_6'_35_,_2018 (1080p) (1)_1.mp4

GLACIAL WATERS, exhibition documentation, 6’ 35”, 2018:

Glacial Ice drips into main media projection, the ice and water reflect on the adjacent wall

GLACIAL WATERS, exhibition documentation, 6’ 35”, 2018:

The Glacial Ice is held within a metal pyramid

GLACIAL WATERS, exhibition documentation, 6’ 35”, 2018:

Three projections are choreographed using Madmapper a projection Mapping software

GLACIAL WATERS, exhibition documentation, 6’ 35”, 2018:

The projection reflects of the water and bouces the imade onto the ceiling

The “GLACIAL WATERS” project at ARTBAT FEST 9, August/September 2018. Almaty, Kazakhstan: The exhibition was held at the ninth edition of ARTBAT FEST in Almaty between 24th August and 8th September 2018 on the theme of WaterStream, this was in partnership with the European network Artecitya.

Glacial Waters: Following a research trip to Almaty, Myself and Ben Nathan (Baden Projekt) created an experimental documentary film installation, starting at the source of water, the glacial mountain range of Zailiyskiy Alatau, following its course into the city via impressive streams, waterfalls and reservoirs to the aryks of Almaty. Within this work the artistic duo documented ways in which people use water in their everyday life; during the journey the consequences of global warming on the glacier became apparent. The work is displayed as holographic multi-channel projections onto water and transparent PepperScrim screens, accompanied by electronic soundscapes from Eva Geist.

The "BADEN NACHT"

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.

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.

(Click on film below)

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

Apolune: Systems Normal

Film Installation & Performance

February 2025

Exhibition Artist Takeover: Soho Connections

125 Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, London

Bow Arts

(Click on film below)

Trailer_ApoluneSystemsNormal_BowArtsSoho mar25.mp4

Apolune transforms NASA's Apollo 11 archives into an immersive performance installation, examining how institutional documentation often overlooks human experience, particularly neurodivergent perspectives. Through vintage broadcast technology and contemporary digital tools, we create responsive environments that shift between documentary reality and sensory landscapes.

The work depicts a moon archival office landscape, where we dissect archival records of the Apollo Moon landings through an autistic lens

Hand made Moon Theremin, that triggers and distorts footage, sculptural elements added within the installation. Multi channel coordibated film installation with additional live camera broadcasting.