Levitas 1998

Galerie Occurrence, Montreal, Canada
Paper, oscillating halogen lamp, shadow — Integrated in the exhibition space
Photograph © Derek Lao 1998

Created for Galerie Occurrence in Montreal, the installation Levitas invites the spectator into a three-dimensional space to live an experience of rising above and beyond the material world. The interaction of various compositional elements, the different energy zones and spatial densities are organised to generate a physical experience of the space in which the spectator has the impression of a mental and an emotional «levitation» generated by the physical experience of the space.

Connecting to the gallery space, the spectator is confronted with his/her own shadow, a duplicate of himself/herself, sometimes confirming his/her presence in space, while at other times denying his/her own presence in a fleeting and impalpable moment. A new perception of self appears, and is affirmed. By definition Levitas describes an upward movement related here to the «ascension» of life, its gradual evolution towards new levels, its projection onto the heavens and throughout the cosmos. Rising above ground and beyond our perception corresponds to the transcendence of the spirit beyond the material world, and to our own existence on earth. It leads to a possible perception of the invisible.