May's Night Lights Denver program on the historic D&F Tower, entitled "MO CAP", is curated by Geraldine Erman and features artists Wang & Söderström, Katie Torn, Jess Johnson & Simon Ward, Jérémy Griffaud, Jeff Scher, Gaia Alari, Entangled Others, Andréa Philippon, and Chris Doyle. Pictured: "Skree Stakka" by Jess Johnson & Simon Ward.
“Motion capture (mo-cap) is a process where the movements of a person or object are digitally recorded and then used to animate a 3D model or character.”
This polyglot selection of animations encompasses many opposing attributes and characteristics, ranging from synthetic to organic, analogue to digital, data-driven vs. dreamt and imagined. All have in common the irresistible qualities of compelling animation: transformation, flux, evolution, hybridity.
The sensual works of Wang & Söderström, Entangled Others, and Andréa Phillippon incorporate seemingly organic forms informed by research and scientific data. Similarly, the animated collaged work of Jeff Scher suggests natural forms and phenomena. Katie Torn’s female form is situated in an urban setting, adapting and mutating accordingly. Similarly, Jess Johnson & Simon Ward employ rich form and color that “…melds architecture, technology, and flesh,” questioning technology and the corporeal world. The work of Chris Doyle also depicts natural form and forces to invoke archaic, dreamlike technology that queries industrial “progress.” Gaia Alari and Jérémy Griffaud handcraft works that absorb the viewer into dreamlike worlds that dynamically morph and shift.
We delight in the expression, perception, and capture of motion and change; the revelation of time passing. In addition, these works share sumptuous color and lush form, whether hand-drawn or AI-aided. Underlying all is anxiety about contemporary dilemmas: identity politics and political fracture, rapidly evolving technology, ecology, and an awareness of declining natural resources.
About Guest Curator Geraldine Erman
Geraldine Erman is a Brooklyn-based artist. Her digital animation has been shown in various venues including “Currents” New Media festival, the University of Pittsburgh “Music on the Edge” festival, and Night Lights Denver. Her work has been supported by the Guggenheim Foundation, The American Academy in Rome, the Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation, and others.
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Currently, the Kittredge Building features art from Richard Mapes, Limelight, and George Berlin.
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Night Lights Denver is a permanent way for the Denver Theatre District to support innovative artists while attracting people downtown to enjoy a free, unique experience.
Our vision for the D&F Tower project is that Night Lights Denver truly becomes ‘the people’s projector,’ encouraging Denver to participate and contribute – including the international, national and locally-based artists we pay for commissioned artworks, schools, and people walking through the district.
Shows run nightly, starting approximately 30 minutes after sunset and looping until midnight. All programs are FREE and appropriate for all-ages.
"The People's Projector" installation is located at the Daniels and Fisher Tower in Downtown Denver, 1601 Arapahoe Street. The Kittredge Building installation is located at 1600 Glenarm Street.
Night Lights Denver partners include Downtown Denver Partnership, The Kittredge Building, Gart Properties, Display Devices Inc, and the Daniels & Fisher Tower.
