Archeological Institute of the Anthropocene: The Light Age
Exhbition Images Based at the London College of Fashion (2022) - Due to a dataloss, unfortunately these images are low-res.
The Archeological Institute of the Anthropocene: The Light Age, curated for audience immersion, invites visitors on a speculative journey through a museum of the future. This project constructs three distinct visions of what might become of our civilisation under the pervasive glow of artificial light. Serving as a speculative archive, the exhibition posits the 'Light Age' as a critical epoch where our relationship with artificial illumination comes to define cultural and ecological futures. Each scenario unfolds through a blend of physical artefacts and narrative design, nudging visitors to reflect on the intricate dance between human progress and the natural world. The exhibition consists of three films, with three corresponding films, during the installation one artefact is lit up, at a time, where the corresponding film plays.
Crafted by Adan Naqvi, Dalida Raad, Delayne Sternbeck-Rutter, Kaixiang Yang, and myself, the exhibition leverages my skills in creating immersive artefacts, designing spatial layouts, and integrating responsive technologies. The visitor's journey is designed to mimic the progression of historical museum exhibits, yet it veers into speculative territories that challenge our assumptions and illuminate the potential consequences of our current choices regarding artificial light.
Video One: X Hive, Written and Performed By Dalida Radd & Kaixiang Yang.
Video Two: Ban of Light, Written, Performed and Captured By Dalida Raad, Kaixiang Yang, Delayne RutterVideo Three: Symbioltic Relationships
Within this future museum, each scenario acts as a portal to possible outcomes of our light-drenched existence, ranging from utopian to dystopian. By employing elements of Transformative Experience Design, the exhibit aims to transcend mere observation, inviting visitors to engage deeply with each speculative future. This approach is intended to spark a personal and profound reevaluation of our relationship with light—both its presence and its absence.
By presenting these three divergent futures, "The Archeological Institute of the Anthropocene: The Light Age" encourages visitors to critically engage with the narratives before them. The goal is not to dictate a singular path forward but to illuminate the spectrum of possibilities that lie ahead, prompting a moment of introspection about the impact of our choices on the planet's ecological and cultural landscapes. In doing so, the exhibition aspires to leave its audience not with answers, but with a potent sense of inquiry and the imaginative space to envision their role in shaping the future.
Developmental RederingsMy contribution to this collaborative effort involved a hands-on approach to bring our speculative concepts into the tangible realm. From conceptualising and constructing the physical artefacts that grounded our narrative in a physical reality with Hooria Sanei, to planning and executing the layout of the exhibit to ensure an intuitive and engaging visitor experience. Furthermore, I took the lead on the technical aspects, programming and wiring the exhibition to function autonomously. This blend of creative and technical skills allowed us to create a seamless, automated narrative journey through the exhibit, enhancing the immersive quality of the visitor's experience.