This summer, ACMI invites you to immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of nature like never before.
From 23 November 2023 to 14 April 2024, ACMI presents the world premiere of Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature, a groundbreaking exhibition by the London-based experimental art collective Marshmallow Laser Feast (MLF).
MLF’s reputation precedes them, having mesmerised audiences across the globe at prestigious events such as Sundance and Tribeca Film Festivals, London’s V&A and Design Museum, Lisbon Triennial, and the Istanbul Design Biennial.
Works of Nature is their largest exhibition to date. MLF has produced an extraordinary showcase of five huge digital artworks, alongside a guided meditation voiced by the dulcet tones of Cate Blanchett, virtual reality and interactive experiences.
Each of the works offers visitors a transformative journey through the interconnected wonders of the natural world.
It’s an exhibition that I think both young and old will enjoy, and it’s also an affordable art experience for the family.
Unveiling Hidden Connections: A World Premiere Experience
Works of Nature unveils hidden connections between the roots of majestic Amazonian trees, the microscopic cells within our bodies, and the vast galaxies above.
The grand-scale digital artworks evolve from droplets of water to ancient trees, cells, and black holes.
As you enter the gallery there is a handy map at the start that shows:
- where the artworks are located;
- which artworks have interactive elements;
- where there are loud noises;
- where there are dark spaces – though note most of the gallery is dark;
- The location of the pram parking and toilets.
There is an optional virtual reality experience which requires a separate ticket. Tickets are $10 and the experience takes 24 minutes. The sessions run every 40 minutes.
Note that the VR experience is not suitable for children.
Five captivating works await you:
- Sanctuary of the Unseen Forest: This large-scale video installation of an Amazonian kapok tree envelops audiences as they enter the gallery, highlighting the immensity of our natural world and placing the human body into perspective.
- Evolver: Take a voyage through the body, tracing the flow of oxygen from the exhale of a tree to the first intake of human breath. Reimagined for ACMI’s Gallery 4, Evolver includes a meditation space with a 10 minute narration by Cate Blanchett, a visual journey of the breath, and a hypnotic sequence connecting the birth of a cell with the cosmos.
- Distortions in Spacetime: After a meditative journey in Evolver, visitors traverse space to the edge of a black hole. This interactive voyage explores the link between black holes, dying stars, and the human body, harnessing the universe’s energy. Stand near the centre of the artwork for the best interactive effects. As the black hole gets bigger, the level of interactivity gets smaller as we are ‘sucked’ into the black hole. This is the exhibition that I think most kids will enjoy the most!
- The Tides Within Us: Six large-scale static images reveal the rhythms of oxygen flowing through the branching ecosystem of the human body, challenging boundaries between humans and the environment. After all of the swirling and circling designs, this static piece is probably going to be least interesting for kids.
- We Live in an Ocean of Air: The final work brings visitors back to earth, continuing the journey of a single breath and revealing the invisible connection between plants and people. This is mesmerising!
The soundscape is a collaboration between Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood, Jon Hopkins, Meredith Monk, Jóhann Jóhannsson, and Howard Skempton.
The recommended exhibition time is 60 minutes. If you do the VR, meditation and really spend some time meditating in front of the artworks then allow for 90 minutes.
A Compelling Educational Experience
Works of Nature is not only a visual spectacle but also an educational experience.
An accompanying education program includes student visits linked to the curriculum and interactive school holiday sessions, making it a compelling exhibition for visitors of all ages to discover.
ACMI Preschoolers
ACMI Preschoolers is a fun way for 3-5 year olds to explore Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature with their parent, grandparent or carer.
Through movement and play, each session takes kids on a fun journey connecting nature, art and science! It’s running on Fridays from 12 January 2024 to 22 March 2024 (except Friday 26 January). Tickets include admission for 1 adult and up to 2 children age 3-5 years.
The facilitator, Ellen, engages the children with storytelling and imagination activities that leave the kids inspired to explore. We found it a comfortable and fun setting for curious kids to ask questions and participate, alongside their grown-ups.
Tickets are $20, Under 35 $15, Concession & ACMI Members $10.
Save the Date and Secure Your Tickets
Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature is showing in ACMI’s Gallery 4 from Thursday 23 November 2023 to 14 April 2024.
Bookings are recommended – for the best experience book for non-peak hours so that you can fully appreciate the immersive artworks.
Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on a sensory odyssey and witness the beauty of nature through the lens of Marshmallow Laser Feast.
If you’ve got time, check out the free permanent exhibition The Story of the Moving Image at ACMI as well.
Book your tickets to Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature
Explore the ACMI Exhibition: The Story of the Moving Image
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