material/immaterial

1999

An unlit room, points of light seem to fly through the air, illuminated spheres create the effect of planets in space. The earthly space is suspended, dissolved. The longer the viewer watches the points of light wandering from wall to wall and into nothingness, the more they recognize fragments of letters that, when put together, form the two words that give the work its title: “material” and “immaterial.” The space is dissolved, the language fragmented. The constant speed is the only “fixed” point of order in this structure. The only sources of light are two projectors, each projecting a slide onto two different disco balls with a diameter of about 60 cm. The balls onto which the words are projected cast a round black shadow on the wall, surrounded by a halo of light.

The work “material/immaterial,” which can be seen in Bingen, is part of an installation cycle called “Sprachraum” (Language Space). The first work was shown in Düsseldorf and Wuppertal in 1996 and, after a stop in Istanbul, went on tour through North America. The various stops are connected by the use of the same materials, while the choice of words changes. However, the work is created anew each time, as the local conditions of the spaces in which it is displayed determine the scale and effect of the artwork. In fact, a large part of Kuball's projects are temporary. It is fitting that many of his artworks work with light, a medium that is only visible on site and after the light source has been switched on, but can also disappear back into “nothingness.”

In scientific terms, “light” is the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that humans can see. Everything that humans can see is connected to light. Since ancient times, light has been used as a metaphor for the process of spiritual enlightenment. It plays a central role in Christianity (the story of creation, “I am the light of the world”). In the spirit of Enlightenment thinking, light is a medium and instrument in relation to one's own “illuminating” actions. The use of electrical energy as artificial light and the resulting independence from the times of day has permanently changed the rhythm and everyday life of humans.

We first have to enter an interior space to be inspired to reflect on a fascinating natural phenomenon. Kuball manages in an enchanting way to transport the medium of light, which surrounds us every day, into the center of our perception and our thoughts, at least for a moment.

Work information

• 2 mirror balls, 2 ceiling motors, 2 slide projectors, 2 text slides