1 drop 1000 years
14 lieux/Martin Messier
Canada
Performative Installation, 30 minutes, nonverbal. Contains stroboscopic light.
– GERMAN PREMIERE -
Dripping, flowing, vaporising and splashing: water – the very essence of life. A vast system of ocean currents, known as ‘thermohaline circulation’, mixes the water of four of the five oceans, transporting warmth all around the globe. In a fascinating water sculpture of robotics, sound and video, Martin Messier visualises how a single drop of water can simultaneously be a symbol for self-regulation, consistency and transformation as it moves through this fragile equilibrium – a homage to the vitality of water and equally a warning of the climatic changes slowing this self-regulation down.
Martin Messier, based in Montreal, has been producing performances and installations combining robotics, light, sound and video for more than 15 years. After completing his studies in composition at the University of Montreal, the artist turned to experimental sound practice in which he integrated visual elements. In 2010 Messier founded the company 14 lieux, which supports and produces performative and installation art.
Supported by Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, Canada Council for the Arts, Conseil des arts de Montréal
Direction, performance, lighting, music Martin Messier Curation Jae Bang Creative assistant, technical coordination Lilian Guiran External consultants Nathanaël Lécaudé (Electronics), Joseph Battesti (Engineering) Production 14 lieux, Inscape, Mutek with the support of Marie-France Gagné, Remy Janelle, Alexandre Sasset-Blouin, Patrick Lamothe Residence Recto-Verso, Quebec Acknowledgements Francis Vaillancourt-Martin, Ingrid Vallus, Rachel Billet (La machinerie des arts), Caroline Laurin-Beaucage, Mia Messier, Thomas Paquet
Photo Martin Messier