<Extended Mind> is a group exhibition dedicated to light art, curated by ARTE LUCE, aims to combine scientific theories and concepts with international light art at unconventional venues.
The first edition in 2018 <Extended Mind> takes its title from the seminal paper published by Andy Clark and David Chalmers in 1998 about the field of extended cognition and externalism. The philosophy stipulates that the mind, the body and the environment can be seen as a whole cognitive system, as such the mind is extended into the world. Using this theory as an inspiration for the exhibition translates into a focus on interactive and transcendent artworks using light as the main medium, as well as a range of other perceptual cues such as sound and touch.
The first Light Art Weekend is presenting international light art in the historic basement of Alte Münze in Berlin. Twelve artists will showcase site-specific and immersive light installations inspired by the Extended Mind theory.
Artworks by Clifton Mahangoe on view
© Clifton Mahangoe, The Sphere I-III, 2014-2016
edition of 8, 1 m diameter x 4 cm depth, wood coating layer, projection
<The Sphere> is a series of installations using projections onto two dimensional bases. Extended Mind will show three editions of <The Sphere> by Clifton Mahangoe. With <The Sphere> Mahangoe communicates an urgent message, presents a unique approach of the environment and raises our expectations of it. In this unique interactive installation he masterfully combines technology and art and creates a spectacular experience for the viewer. The light sculptures use projection to visualise the meditative values of water and other natural elements. Clifton Mahangoe’s body of work is not just about what the artist wants to express, but about the viewer’s experience and interaction with the artwork. Clifton wishes to capture people’s attention, bring them together, contribute to their awareness about the life on this planet and let them feel the power over their surroundings.
Photographers Extended Mind Light Art Weekend Berlin © korrphoto by Katharina Kritzler and Beata von offenblen.de | © Clifton Mahangoe, The Sphere I-III, 2014-2016, video stills, edition of 8, 1 m diameter x 4 cm depth, wood coating layer, projection
In the nineties Clifton Mahangoe was one of the first to use video projections of waterfalls and other natural phenomena on life-sized holo-, and water screens as decor pieces during commercial events. He often worked together with Dutch artists such as Mischa Klein and REL.These enchanting installations gave the visitor a stimulating sensation. From these applied designs, Mahangoe developed his current autonomous works. His oeuvre consists of videos and light installations in which Mahangoe creates a great attention for stillness. The artist has a deep interest in spirituality, energies and the meditative effect of natural phenomena. Nature in general, and water in particular, have a healing effect according to Mahangoe. Water acts as a mirror that confronts us with the hustle and bustle of our daily existence and at the same time brings us peace of mind. We find all these aspects in the videos and light installations of Mahangoe. The installations are often a succession of intertwined images: running water, reflections, shadow play, a sky full of stars. The slow rhythm of the sequences creates a mesmerizing and soothing effect. Important to the artist is the use of the circle, the symbol of infinity: the line without beginning or end.