PLAZEBO / Vanessa Enriquez and J.MAYER.H

Site-specific installation

PLAZEBO
Affects between Architecture and Art

Artists: Vanessa Enríquez (MEX), J.MAYER.H (DE)

Artist Talk: Saturday, 30. April, 3pm
Open Weekend/Gallery Weekend: 29. April – 1. May 2016
Venue: aquabitArt gallery, Auguststr. 35, 10115 Berlin-Mitte
Exhibition: 2. April – 1. May 2016

PLAZEBOs strategy is meant “to please”, to make us feel better. It is partly wishful thinking and it is aiming to activate the endorphins in our bodies. The meanings of PLAZEBO could vary, the form is not defined. Affect results from instant reactions. They can change, depending on the expectations, joy or pain.

PLAZEBO is a pavilion, intended to explore the notions of belief and anticipation and its effects on our perception. PLAZEBO is an intimate reflection on the spaces, both physical and mental that we occupy, whether consciously or not. It seeks to question and validate the strategies and resources that we use to soothe ourselves, however deceptive they might be.

To which extent is our individual understanding of the environment created by our affection?
How can artistic approach influence the architectural space and the other way round?

With a focus on the somatic experience, the exhibition presents an installation by Vanessa Enríquez whose pattern is revealed through our movement in the space. In a contrasting way, the video by J.MAYER.H is installed as a footnote, best viewed when we keep still. An aural dimension is created by pink noise, which permeates the space with sound similar to rain falling or leaves rustling. It is intended to slow and regulate our brain waves. A set of headphones offers binaural beats which are used to improve immune functions, facilitate relaxation, improve mood and contribute to the alleviation of stress. Through these visual and sonic stimuli, PLAZEBO establishes a dialogue between architectural and artistic articulations that are related to the issues of pattern, boundaries, movement and digitalization.

Vanessa Enríquez’s multi-disciplinary practice is characterised by an interest in mystical experience and consciousness. Her work draws from systems of ancient occult knowledge, spiritual practices and the modern sciences in an attempt to reveal hidden patterns and the interconnectedness in life and nature. Her recent work, which has grown to encompass video, performance and installation, has been
exhibited in curated group exhibitions in Berlin, Boston, Hong Kong and Mexico City and more recently, New York and the UK (› www.vanessaenriquez.net).

Jürgen Mayer H. is one of the leading architects of his generation. He is Internationally established with his distinctly experimental and innovative architecture. Jürgen Mayer H. studied at Stuttgart University, The Cooper Union in New York and at Princeton University. In 1996 he founded the interdisciplinary office J.MAYER.H in Berlin (› www.jmayerh.de).