Singular Oscillations

Symposium:


Session Title:
  • Art(ist)s in Space

Presentation Title:
  • Singular Oscillations

Presenter(s):


Venue(s):


Abstract:

  • Panel: Art(ist)s in Space

    SINGULAR OSCILLATIONS attempts to know the oscillating space of parabolic-flight in its own right rather than use it to understand its effect on other phenomena. The project is a collaboration between Bradley Pitts, Projekt Atol Flight Operations, and the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in which the entire cabin of the IL76-MDK is cleared except for one subject who is allowed to float and fall freely with their eyes closed, ears blocked, and naked. This immerses the subject in the variable-gravity space and heightens their awareness of it, while minimizing their affect upon it. Thus SINGULAR OSCILLATIONS explores the empty volume of the plane in and of itself. While SINGULAR OSCILLATIONS takes place within the context of a scientific facility, the expressed aim of the project is to produce immeasurable, subjective experience. Historically, these sorts of experiences have been marginalized within national space programs, as they do not conform to the inexorable demands of science. With the advent of artists and tourists in space, however, Pitts is interested in the shift from the scientific paradigm of space exploration to one of play, which fully embraces the entire spectrum of human experience and understanding. SINGULAR OSCILLATIONS is made in collaboration with Projekt Atol Flight Operations and the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) with support from Rob Defares, Fokker Technologies, and the Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten, Amsterdam, NL.

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