Light years. Eugènia Balcells

LIGHT YEARS is the latest project exhibition of Eugènia Balcells. It is a journey into the memory of the universe. A memory that begins in the stars and is gathered inside the elementals particles that make up matter. It is a hymn to the complexity of the light that creates light in its path. LIGHT YEARS roots in the fascination with the most recent scientific theories combined with the aesthetic experience aroused by observing, from earth possition, the light cycle in its permanent succession of days and nights. Eugènia Balcells creates her own images and displays them without letting them fade or stop. Hence, the universe borns and reborns over and over again, confering and resembling the emotions and astonishment that the first philophers, astronomers and poets may simultaneously had. Eugènia Balcells is a pioneer in Spain within experimental film making and audiovisual art during the 1970's. The concept of light has always been her main focus of attention in her artworks. Her last exhibition project FREQUENCES, displayed for the first time during the 2009 fall in Barcelona, worthed the National Visual Arts Award by the Generalitat de Catalunya, not long after being awarded the 2009 Merit Medall of Fine Arts, in Gold medal category, by His Majesty the King of Spain.

Light years. Eugènia Balcells

She is a pioneer in Spain within experimental film making and audiovisual art. Her artistic activity started in the mid-seventies after graduating in Technical Architecture in 1967 from the University of Barcelona, and postgraduating in MA in Art in 1971 from Iowa University. In 1968 she moves from her hometown Barcelona and settles in New York. Since 1988, she has been combining both residences. In her workshops she deals human perception focusing on coexistence harmony between spiritual and material. Her installations are based in an accurate geometry composition and reveals her dinamical and complex regard of reality. Some of her first and outstanding works are among others: the film Fuga (1979), the video Indian Circle (1982) and the installation From the Center (1983). Books (Möebius Spaces, Ophelia...), Scores: Flight, Xerox Music, etc. and works dealing with contemporary subjects, such as: Portable Album, Brindis, On and on... Among others: In Transit (1993), In the heart of things (1998), A space of ones (2000), and Roda do tempo (2001). Her explorations and new understanding of the posibilities of the electronic image becomes a recurrent aspect in her work: Color Fields (1984), TV Weave (1985), Trascending Limits (1996), Frequencies (2009), Color Wheel (2009) and Universe (2012). She has been awarded, among others: Grand Prix de la 1ère Manifestation Internationale de Vídeo in Montbeliard (1982), Visual Studies Workshop Award in Rochester, New York (1983), Visual Arts National Prize from the Generalitat de Catalunya (2009), and Merit Medall in Fine Arts, in gold medal category, in recognition of her artistic career from the Ministery of Culture of Spain (2009). www.eugeniabalcells.com http://araahoranow.blogspot.com.es/

Light years. Eugènia Balcells

LIGHT YEARS feautures two instalations, FREQUENCEIS and UNIVERSE, combined with the mural TRIBUTE TO THE ELEMENTS and the projection GLIMSE OF THE UNVIERSE. FREQUENCIES is an installation exploring the presence of light in the physicall matter inself. Based on the fact that everything on existence comes from a particular composition of the original elements of the Periodic Table, FREQUENCIES let us imagine how the trace of light interlaces with the rest in a metaphorical creation, while identifying each element.

FREQUENCES. Eugènia Balcells, 2009

Audiovisual installation. EDITION AND POSTPRODUCTION: Felipe Ruiz RECORD AND SOUND EDITION: Amos Piñeros

HOMAGE TO THE ELEMENTS, is a version of the Periodic Table which includes the chemical reference of the element and the trace of light identifing them as a fingerprint. This piece accompanies FREQUENCIES, providing the singularity of each element so that we can discover the interwoven between them in the installation, and let our imagination wander amid the complexity of the movements that engender life.

HOMAGE TO THE ELEMENTS. Eugènia Balcells, 2010

Mural PRODUCTION: Edicions de l'Eixample

UNIVERSE is the main installation of the exhibition, and becomes a result of extrem artistic research work. Following the sun's course, from the sunrise to the moment the light plunges into total darkness, the piece represents the idea of the universe as a detached body that could be looked at from the outside. In order to make it work out, the artist seeks for an interaction use between the latest technical resources with elements close to handcraft manufacture. This way, both the depthness contained in the project and the inquisitiveness or interest of people in it, could meet in dialogue. UNIVERSE is the result of a filming work in the Astrophisic Observatory of Canarias and displayed over a complex system of swivel screens, purposed for the reception of images from two different films simultaneously projected. A background music companies the installation, composed of frequencies emitted by celestial bodies -the sun, the mood, the planets, ...- recorded and transcribed by NASA.

UNIVERSE. Eugènia Balcells, 2012. Multimedia installation.

Images filmed in Roque de los Muchachos, in the canarian island La Palma, with the

collaboration of the Isaac Newton Telescope Group, Canarian Astrofisic Institut, and NASA.

The background music of the instalation composed of frequencies emitted by celestial bodies was recorded and transcribed by NASA.

Filming and recording team: Elzine Aristide, Rodrigo Emanuel Soares, Clara Balcells.

Production: Claudia De Carlo. Edition and Motion Graphics: Rodrigo Emanuel Soares.

Sound Edition: Angeo Vernuccio. Swivel screen system production: Javier Higueras, Isabel Balcells, Ruth Ponce.

The documentary GLIMSE OF THE UNIVERSE is a film with the artist Eugènia Balcells in conversation with the astronomer Marc Balcells, director of the Isaac Newton Telescopes Group placed in the Roque de los Muchachos canarian observatory. They share a long-standing complicity. As children they would scrutinise the skies together under the scientific guidence of the adults in a large family of architects headed by an inventor grandfather. Those childhood nights awoke in Eugènia Balcells a long life interest in light and the way it behaves. In UNIVERSE, Eugènia Balcells treats light as the messenger of the best kept secret, our origin, which may also be our destiny.

GLIMSE THE UNIVERSE – an spectrect is worth a thounsand pictures. Eugènia Balcells. 2012. Documentary Film. Length: 17 minutes. FILMING AND RECORDING PRODUCTION TEAM: Elzine Aristide, Rodrigo Emanuel Soares, Clara Balcells. PRODUCTION: Claudia De Carlo. EDITION AND MOTION GRAPHICS: Rodrigo Emanuel Soares. SOUND EDITION: Angeo Vernuccio. SWIVEL SCREEN SYSTEM PRODUCTION: Javier Higueras, Isabel Balcells, Ruth Ponce

There is a DOCUMENTATION SPACE AND ACTIVITIES for those guides or teachers who visit and lead their groups throught the exhibition. The complexity of the project constitution has filtered smothly into the public, carried out through a strong and pure expression, with multiple free interpretations approachs. YEARS LIGHT becomes an unique aesthetic experience intended for general public, where a documentation space has been set aside for academic groups attending the exbition, where a wide range of researches can be developed.

Light years. Eugènia Balcells. Images

FREQUENCIES. Eugènia Balcells, 2009

HOMAGE TO THE ELEMENTS. Eugènia Balcells, 2010

HOMAGE TO THE ELEMENTS. Eugènia Balcells, 2010

UNIVERSE. Eugènia Balcells, 2012

UNIVERSE. Eugènia Balcells, 2012

GLIMSE THE UNIVERSE. Eugènia Balcells, 2012

GLIMSE THE UNIVERSE. Eugènia Balcells, 2012

Light years. Eugènia Balcells Catalogue Edition © SECRETARÍA GENERAL TÉCNICA Subdirección General de Documentación y Publicaciones. Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte © of the Texts: their authors

© of the Images: Eugènia Balcells.

NIPO: 030-12-274-2 ISBN: 978-84-8181-522-1 Legal Deposit: M-26695-2012 Coordination Eulàlia Bosch Texts Marc Balcells: Observing, Analysing, Inventing John Berger: The Arching Mosaic Eulàlia Bosch: Limming the Universe Giuliana Bruno: On the Surface of Things John Christie: Looking on Glass Sunetra Gupta: Here too are Cementeries, Fame and Snow Roald Hoffmann: A weed, a God Marta Llorente: Enduring Traces in Inhabited Space Simon Njami: The Impudence of Stars Josep Perelló: Light Years or when the Distance is Only Time Begoña Torres: Beyond the Promontory of Dreams Traslations Pilar Vázquez (English-Spanish) Cath Forrest (Spanish-English) Paul Hammond (French-English) Judit Cusidó (French-Spanish) Photography Estudio Eugènia Balcells Design and Layout Salvador Saura - Ramon Torrente, Edicions de l’Eixample, S.L. Printing Palermo S.L.

Light years. Eugènia Balcells More information Light years. Eugènia Balcells http://www.mcu.es/promoArte/CE/Exposiciones/AnosLuz.html

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Web AÑOS LUZ: www.universoeugeniabalcells.com

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CONDITIONS REPORT FOR TRAVELLING EXHIBITIONS

EXHIBITION TITLE

LIGHT YEARS. EUGÈNIA BALCELLS

EXHIBITION PRODUCTION

Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte. Secretaría de Estado de Cultura.

Dirección General de Bellas Artes y Bienes Culturales y de Archivos y Bibliotecas.

Subdirección General de Promoción de las Bellas Artes

TECHNICAL DATA OF THE EXHIBITION

INSTALLATION: 1) Needs for the showroom space:

from 400 up to 650 m2. Minimum height required 4.30 m.

Closed spaces with low light exposure, and time-limitings light controls.

Access between the different spaces.

2) Infrastructures

2.1- UNIVERSE:

Separate and close space -15x11m and a minimum height of 4,30 m-.

Minimum space: 12x10m. The projections require mirrors.

Ceiling and walls are covered with black fabric, or painted in black -serial NCS S8505-R80B-.

Carpet fireproof, with doble-faced Scotch tape.

2 carpeted benches.

Safety signs.

Referential LEDS displayed in each angle of the space.

2.2. HOMAGE TO THE ELEMENTS

Separate space. One of the linen-walls requires a minimum of 10m, 8,50m height, 4,30m width.

Colour of the linen-wall: Titán 520 silver, while the rest stay NCS.

Colour of the ceiling: white S 1502-G.

Time-limiting light control. Filter: 202.

2.3 FREQUENCES:

Individual space with access to HOMAGE TO THE ELEMENTS. Minimum length 9x5m and 4,30 height.

Colour of the walls, floor and ceiling: Titan 520 silver.

Time-limiting light control. Filter: 202.

2.4 Documentary: GLIMSE THE UNIVERSE:

Separate room, with a resembling cinema atmosphere. Minimum 9x5m. Height 4.30 m.

Colour of the linen-walls and ceiling: black – serial: NCS S8505-R80B.

Time-limiting light control. Filter: 202

Hight quality soundproofing.

Seats available.

2.5 BIOGRAPHICAL and DIDACTIC space:

A space composed by two or three rooms communicated between them. Minimum spaces of 9x5m. Height 4.30m.

Colour of the showroom: no changes from the original -If so: serial colour number NCS S 1502-G-.

Regular lighting, filter: 202.

Chairs and tables available.

3) AUDIOVISUAL EQUIPMENTS AND DISPLAYING OF ARTWORKS.

3.1 UNIVERSE:

Audiovisual:

2 projectors, resolution FULL HD 1920X1080 with a hight contrast level 80.000: 1, brighting 1300 lumens Ansi, with support assembly to ceiling and

wall.

1 frame synchronization system for 2 signals in FULL HD with 2 stereo audio signals independently synchronizated.

1 audio system composed by:

1 12/15'' subwoofer

4 satellite speakers, with 300 Wt. RMS.

1 mixer, with 5 independent outlets, giving signal to the subwoofer from the 4 channels.

1 amplifier's system.

Instalation of the work:

8 half transparent linen swivel screens, creating a 2.50 m diametre connected each other by a shaft held from a motor installed in the

centre of the room -1 m height distance from the floor-.

Motor 1,5 rpm.

8 flexible bars

8 semi transparent fabric cases.

As part of the installation process, the fabrics must be ironed before introducing them into the cases, and sew together the union axis

between the 8 screens.

Audiovisual installation:

2 video are simultaneously projected onto the sphere. Both projectors are installed in the longitudinal axis of the spaceroom, at the same

sphere axis level. Distance of lens 7 to 7,30 m.

Each one of the four speakers is placed 2 m away from the main sphere axis, in order to get the effect of the sound comming out from the sphere

towards the center of the showroom.

3.2. FREQUENCES: Audiovisuals equipment:

- 1 projector DLP Mitsubishi WD-620U native resolution WXGA(1280x800), lighting 4000 ANSI.

- Contrast lumen: 2000:1. Zoom optic: standard, conexions: S RGB, 1x DVI-D, 1x HDMI, 2x RCA, LAN (RJ-45). Assembled to the wall or ceiling.

- Loop software, audiovisual automatic switching system.

- 1 Home Cinema equipment: Dolby digital processor 5.1 5x100wt; speakers: 5.1 minimum power 5x90 Wt. + Subwoofer; 5 basis

reinforcements; projector format 4:3.

3.3. Documentary: GLIMSE THE UNIVERSE: Audiovisual:

1 projector DLP Mitsubishi WD-620U native resolution WXGA (1280x800), lighting 4000 ANSI.

Contrast lumens: 2000:1, zoom optic: standard, conexions S RGB 1xDVI-D, 1x HDMI, 2x RCA, LAN (RJ-45). Basis reinforcement to wall and ceiling.

Loop software, audiovisual automatic switching system.

Powered speakers.

Projector screen.

Format 16/9

3.4 BIOGRAPHIC AND DIDACTIC space:

2 screens 42'' installed towards the wall.

2 computers with updated programs and internet conexión.

4 earphones

Settled websites of the artist:

1 speech system constituted by: 1 projection equipment DLP 4000 lumens Ansi, standard optic, native resolution XGA 1024x768. Reinforced basis to wall

and ceiling; 1 2x300 watt power RMS 4 Ohms; 1 previous mix for 6 inputs

Mic/line installation in rack 19'' and 12-48 volt phantom powering.

2 speakers 2 Full Range with an 8'' woofer and Twteer.

1 Handset wireless microphone with diversity receiver and body-pack emitter; Sennheiser, AKG, Shure or similar brands.

Conexion between laptop and projector.

Formats: 4:3 or 16:9.

3.5 HOMAGE TO THE ELEMENTS

113 sheets Inversote Creator Mat, 240x340 mm and 330g, printout 4/0.

113 methacrylate of 2 mm.

Installation: each piece of paper is screwed up to each methacrylate against the wall.

4) GRAPHIC EXHIBITION

Frontlit canvas printting 4/0: exterior signals, title of the exhibition, white vinyl 70x20 cm.

Available existing materials:

Universe. Table; Frequences; Biography; Credits and Didactic; 430x75 cm canvas installed inside the case with refined iron in its inside.

5) SCHEDULES FOR INSTALLATION

5 working days intended for infraestructures and audiovisuals installation.

Up to 4 days intended for audiovisual settings.

CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION

EXPENSES COVERED BY THE MINISTERIO DE EDUCACIÓN, CULTURA Y DEPORTE.

Production.

Coordination.

Insurance.

EXPENSES COVERED BY THE INSTITUTION HOLDING THE EXHIBITION:

Author of the works:

Travel, accommodation and daily allowance intended for the artist and curator Eugènia Balcells, to the installation working period and to attend the official

opening of the exhibition.

Curatorial management:

Travel, accommodation and daily allowance intended for a small curatorial team, to assist during installation. Consult us for details.

Installation and Copyrights:

Installation and lighting of the showrooms.

Graphic productions.

Surveillance and security officers service.

Copyrights.

CATALOGUE:

The catalogue was edited by the Secretaría General Técnica, Subdirección General de

Publicaciones, Información y Documentación del Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y

Deporte (Chief Administrative Office, Department for the Documentation and Publication of

the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport).

Contact Details:

Tomy Lorenzo

C/ Abdón Terradas, nº7

28015 Madrid

+34 91 543 93 66 Fax: +34 91 549 34 18

email address: tomy.lorenzo@mecd.es

Catalogue price: 14 eu (VAT included).

NOTE:

Once an exhibition application has been accepted, a subsequent collaboration Agreement

will be signed between the Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte and the institution

where the exhibition will be held.

mailto:tomy.lorenzo@mecd.es

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