carsten nicolai

reflektor distortion

2016
neon lights, water, steel, sound
diameter 200 cm, height 26 cm
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the installation reflektor distortion – conceived as a rotating, water-filled basin - is inspired by the shape of a parabolic mirror that 'rotates' water via centrifugal force. the work consists of the three main components mirror, reflection and distortion. both curve and distortion of the water surface is affected by speed and integrated resistors that generate a permanently new and re-organizing mirror reflection. the water surface will be supplementary distorted via speaker by resonating low sound frequencies. the function of the mirror is hereby eminent: the mirror surface is the medium that reveals reality as distorted reflection. rising the question of the observed and the real image the installation plays with the artist's thesis that we all have a permanent distorted perception of reality.