L’espace Art Contemporain at Orenga de Gaffory, Corsica presents a new solo show from Pascal Dombis, Time Is Time Was.
Time Is Time Was invites us to reflect on our relationship with time through the contemporary digital and technological worlds in which we are immersed. Dombis is a French artist who works predominately with digital formats and processes. His early studies in engineering and computers inspired him to create artwork that combined the computational with visual stimulation. He focuses on the unpredictability of data processing and transforming computer errors into visually aesthetic and vibrant works. Questions are asked about the long-term effects of the digital world, and its significance within evolution. The work seamlessly synthesises physics and mathematics with art, and allows contemplation without the barriers of a linear context.
The exhibition draws its title from Andy Warhol’s ‘The Philosophy of Andy Warhol (from A to B and Back again)’, where he quotes James Joyce when trying to comprehend the concept of time. ‘I try to think of what time is and all I can think is . . . “Time is time was”’.
Viewers are first confronted by Dombis’ ‘Time Cube’, a large mirrored structure covered with quotes about time from noted authors in English, French and Corsican. A random proliferation algorithm generated the text, which is printed in varying sizes and positions. The result is a surprising and captivating sculpture that allows the viewer to plunge into the wisdom of famed writers, and reconsider their own concept of time.
Inside the gallery is the ‘Colour Screen of Death’, a digital monochrome triptych that draws on traditional notions of painting and digital construction. It takes its title from the ‘Blue Screen of Death’ – the common name for the screen that appears when a fatal error occurs within Windows programming systems.
The artist deliberately allows the technological errors that are an occupational hazard of working with computers. Thus the red, yellow and blue screens sporadically blink, or display pixellation, a manifestation of movements not intentionally programmed.
Another highlight is an experimental cinema work in the form of ‘The Endless’, a collection of cinematic memories presented with accelerated speed. A hypnotic and psychedelic journey is created, as if time itself is being penetrated.
L’espace Art Contemporain at Orenga de Gaffory provides a stimulating and pertinent environment for the show. The surrounding countryside and vineyard allows a peaceful and spacious context for contemplation of complex digital structures, and as a former wine cellar, draws parallels between the sensual pleasures of art and wine.
The exhibition runs until 1st of October 2017.
Images©: Time Cube (2017), UV black print on digitally cut aluminum composite with inside mirror, 2.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 m / Architect: Gil Percal
DISCOVER WORKS BY PASCAL DOMBIS
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