SUB | Kurt Hentschläger
Set in complete darkness, SUB is an immersive, meditative environment created by Kurt Hentschläger. The installation induces a simple, dramatic, perceptual shift: Embarking into pitch black, visitors are invited to drift off into an ambiguous state of sensory deprivation and overload, slowly adapting to an unfamiliar terrain. The predominant absence of light in SUB is contrasted, in intervals, by bright bursts of animated abstract forms and patterns. Returning back into darkness, ghostly retinal after-images linger, slowly fading until the next eruption of light.
SUB is a timed-ticketed experience on view in the Square, located at the edge of the Momentary’s campus near 8th St. Market.
Experience SUB Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through December 31, 2022.
MOMENTOUS WEEKEND HOURS:
Thursday, October 20 | 12 – 6 pm
Friday, October 21 | 12 – 6 pm
Saturday, October 22 | 12 – 6 pm
Sunday, October 23 | 12 – 6 pm
REGULAR HOURS:
Fridays & Saturdays | Oct 28 through Dec 31 – Open 2 – 8 pm
Sundays | Oct 23 through Dec 18 – 12 – 6 pm
*Note: last ticket sold one hour prior to closing. No tickets are sold on December 24.
Tickets are $8 ($6/member, $5/student), reserve your spot online or by calling the Box Office at (479) 657-2335.
Student tickets available to all guests under 17 or those with a valid student ID, presented upon entry.
Not a member? Join today!
ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE
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Before entering the installation, the audience is asked to leave behind their phones and any other communication, photographic, or light-emitting devices. This is to maintain darkness in the installation space.
In this space of repose, posting to social media, taking selfies, or texting are put on hold. Experiencing SUB makes time and space for a meditative break, a moment of minimized visual sensing without the noise and distraction emitted by a hyper-mediated world.
While light in SUB appears for fractions of seconds only, sound is present throughout and is both synchronized to the light events as well as continuously evolving and subtly rearranging in the venue.
SUB has no beginning or end; visitors may enter at any time and stay as long as they so desire. Depending on one’s position in space, visual and sonic impressions will vary substantially.
FAQS
Do I need a ticket for this experience?
Yes, a timed-entry ticket is required.
Where is this experience located?
In the Square, located at the edge of the Momentary’s campus near 8th St. Market.
How many people can be in the room at once?
Up to 10 people per hour will be allowed to enter the room at a time.
How long is the experience?
While SUB has no beginning or end, most guests stay approximately 45 minutes. Guests may stay or leave as they wish.
What can guests take (or not take) into the experience with them?
Guests will not be allowed to take any light-emitting device (watches, phones, lights, etc.). There will be secured lockers available on site to store your belongings prior to entering the experience.
What is the photo policy?
Photography and video are prohibited during the experience.
Is it accessible?
If you are in need of accessible accommodations, please contact the Box Office in advance at BoxOffice@theMomentary.org or (479) 367-7500
Are there any concerns for guests with sensory sensitivity?
Sensory Advisory: SUB is an intense experience set in complete darkness and includes lights that flash brightly (but intermittently), which might be triggering for guests who have sensitivities to flashing lights or neurodiverse guests prone to sensory overstimulation.
Worried about the weather?
Call the Inclement Weather line to check on any cancellations or relocations: (479) 657-2488, or catch our Instagram and Facebook stories for the most up-to-date information.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
New York-based Austrian artist Kurt Hentschläger creates immersive, audiovisual installations and performances. Selected presentations include the Venice Biennial, the Venice Theater Biennial, Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, PS1 New York, FuturePerfect New York, MAC – Musée d’Art Contemporain Montreal, MAK – Museum of Applied Arts Vienna, National Art, ZKM Karlsruhe, Museum of China Beijing, National Museum for Contemporary Art Seoul, ICC Tokyo, Arte Alameda Mexico City, MONA – Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart, Tasmania, Sharjah Art. In 2012 he was commissioned, as part of the Cultural Program of the 2012 London Olympics / London Festival, to create CORE, a large-scale, symphonic installation.
Credits
Audiovisual composition and production by Kurt Hentschläger, 2019.
Production residency by MANA Contemporary with additional support for installation premiere by the Austrian Cultural Forum New York & Hyphen Hub New York.
Initial project research and production supported by OK Center Linz, & CTM Berlin.
Production Assistance New York: Jonatan Martinez
Technical Supervisor Touring: Alexander Boehmler
Management: Richard Castelli / Epidemic
Thanks to: Isabelle Meiffert, Claudia Hart, Martin Sturm, Genoveva Rueckert, Richard Castelli, Chara Skiadelli, Florence Berthaud, Pierre Laly, Asher Remy Toledo, Richard Garet, Ysabel Pinyol, Rezarta Seferi, Liridona Seferi, and everybody at Mana Contemporary.