Some thoughts on the process of how we are visualizing the installation at Northern Stage.

Stage 3 at the theater has been a challenging place to visualize our installation in. Its a small space, and has a built in alcove type area that is used as smaller theater. Both Leif and me create work for the stage in different forms so the idea of re-working the context of what a ”stage” can be is very interesting. Initially, we wanted to break away and deconstruct the stage area, flip it around and hang the 2 screens in a way that would both create an additional space within the room but also hopefully change the perspective of what the architecture traditionally would ask for in this room. It’s both a small theater space and a lounge in the basement, with a flow of people coming through, both for shows and to pass through the building. The challenge was to create a hanging that would inform a new seeing of the basement space and create a reaction and a wish to stop, enter and feel like one would want to stay in this meditative environment.  

Due to issues with throw distance, our first 2 ideas had to be re-thought and we have now landed in a somewhat more traditional triptych hanging than what we initially started out with. Its still ”a space within a space” – something we feel strongly about. The surround sound will encompass more than the screen space and will immerse the full basement area. Smaller ”stool areas” in locations outside of the triptych screen space will add a possibility to only listen to the soundscape. Or perhaps get a glimpse of a small portion of the video, while fully taking in the sound. A sit down environment inside the video space will invite for a more durational viewing. 

Ideas of how the viewer would experience the work have been important to us. The piece itself is a meditation on the Nordic landscape, and much of the intricate subtleties can get lost if experienced to fast. The ”off-site” process of creating a spatial experience is one made up of instinctual decisions but one never knows until in the space.

The process of visualizing a space and an installation can take many forms. For n.waves I worked of still images of the space (different angles) and used these as departure points and backgrounds to layer video onto – the best way for me to get a ”not-quite-3D” spatialisation. I make sketches in After Effects which clarifies what works and what doesn’t, both in terms of scale, multi-screens and visual juxtapositions. During the trip we made in May we had our initial meeting with Rob Brown, head of sound and A/V who has been very helpful in our summer pursuits of tech solutions. And in June and July and starting back up now in September, Leif and I have had weekly meetings about directions, concepts of the macro/micro in landscape, and new sound/video ideas regarding our re-mix version. And working with the talented Leif is an amazing pleasure.

Final idea/version