Oursler has created a large-scale installation inspired by the seven fundamental crystal structures that occur in nature. For the artist, these geometric forms contain two coexisting extremes: hard science and the mythic. In telecommunications and electronic circuitry, crystals are prized for their resonant quality, which allows them to synchronize signals with a high degree of accuracy. When used in mobile phones and computer CPUs, these organic structures coordinate timing, functioning as the “heartbeat" of modern technology. Crystals are also valued for their aesthetic and pseudoscientific properties, which some believe to have healing effects. In New Age discourse, different types of crystals are assigned particular psycho-spiritual or protective properties, and are thought to carry specific energies that can be amplified by exposure to the light of the full moon.
In mAcHiNe E.L.F. (2024) Oursler assimilates all of these references into one of his classic immersive environments. The large-scale crystal forest reflects whirling digital video imagery from an overhead projection, and the structures incorporate various transparent materials, such as shaped mirrors and dichotic refraction screens, which amplify and colorize the images depending on the viewer's perspective. For this piece, Oursler worked with a large cast of characters, many of whom are longtime collaborators—artists and performers include Constance DeJong, Jim Fletcher, Jason Scott Henderson, and Katiana Rangel. Combining new and archival footage with interventions from AI technology, he explores a series of poetically associated themes in the work, including the digital sublime, melting ice, four-dimensional creatures, extremely low frequencies (ELF), 5G technology, intragroup dynamics, near death experiences, DMT, and Photo 51.
Across the exhibition, Oursler examines how as the average person becomes more distant from highly specialized scientific understanding, science is increasingly translated into myth by the general public. At the same time, he recognizes that the development of rationalism and rise in scientific thought has resulted in a process of societal disenchantment and a decline in spirituality. The artist draws inspiration from this paradox, which he describes as “the current re-enchantment of America,” and in this newest body of work Oursler aims to pull back the veil—revealing the science behind the spectacle while acknowledging space for the mystical beyond the edge of human knowledge.
“EMOTION" il nuovo grande
progetto espositivo
al Chiostro del Bramante
mAcHiNe E.L.F. (Rome Version)
Cari amanti dell'arte e appassionati del Chiostro del Bramante,
Siamo entusiasti di annunciare l'apertura del nostro nuovo grande progetto espositivo "EMOTION - L'arte contemporanea racconta le emozioni" a cura di Danilo Eccher. Dal 29 novembre 2023 al 6 gennaio 2025, DART Chiostro del Bramante vi invita a scoprire i venti artisti protagonisti del panorama artistico internazionale:
AES+F, Mat Collishaw, Subodh Gupta, Carsten Höller, Eva Jospin, Kimsooja, Luigi Mainolfi, Masbedo, Annette Messager, Paul Morrison, Luigi Ontani, Tony Oursler, Piero Pizzi Cannella, Laure Prouvost, Pietro Ruffo, Alessandro Sciaraffa, Gregor Schneider, Paolo Scirpa, Nedko Solakov e Adrian Tranquilli. mAcHiNe E.L.F. 💐
Featuring: Jim Fletcher, Shana Fletcher, Constance DeJong, David Johansen, Brandon Olsen, Katiana Rangel, Cotton Stanford, MV Carbon, Jean Brassard, Joy Mattar, Sarah Kinlaw, Jinnie Lee, Shelley Valfer, Liam Benzvi, Sarah de Burgh, Enver Chakartash, Jack Colton, Spencer Davis, Sakshi Jain, Mads Jensen, Leah Hennessey, Jason Scott Henderson, E.J. O'Hara, Idrissa Kone, Josie Keefe, John Peery, Jack Oursler, Corey Riddell, Julia Sinski, Emilie Rochefort, Samantina Zenon, Holly Stanton,Flora Wildes, Kate Valk thanks to @alicenienpuko
Costumes: Enver Chakartash
Music: Stephen Vitiello, Kim Gordon, Tony Conrad, Corey Riddell, Jack Colton, Tony Oursler
Solo Electric Guitar: Cameron Jamie.