Solaris [2013]

Solaris is an apparatus existing of multiple soap films that can be lifted up manually. It is a machine that explores the mental process and physical activity of seeing and creates soap films as a spatial intervention. Solaris shows 6 screens placed behind each other to fully experience the play with light and reflections that occur in between the different frames of the soap films. Through precise lighting the inner movement of the soap film is revealed, showing a turbulent choreography of iridescent colour and fluid motion. As gravity slowly gets a hold of the membrane the viewer can be fascinated with the phenomenon, until inevitably the fragile film bursts.

Solaris is embedded in a context of visual music, expanded cinema, synesthesia and what Assmann calls hypercolours, which are characteristic for her work and in this work are brought forward by the use of light. In creating her own screens made from thin soap films and the specific use of lights, she's playing with the different elements of the cinematic apparatus in the lineage of expanded cinema. The analogue imagery created in Solaris refers to abstract and experimental film.

Solaris is the second installation in the triptych Assmann made on soap film, from which the monumental soap film installation Solace was the first chapter and the video installation Liquid Solid, made together with artist Joris Strijbos, is the third part of the triptych.

Solaris was shown at the Saatchi Gallery in October 2013 as part of an triptych curated by Piet de Jonge

Solaris was developed during the year of receiving 'the stipend for emerging artists for visual and fine arts' by Mondriaan Fund

Concept: Nicky Assmann, Realisation: Nicky Assmann, Joris Strijbos, Stefan Kroon