A spectacular mirrored labyrinth of 2.5-metre-tall reflective steel forms will greet visitors at NGV International. The immersive installation, Semicircular Space by renowned Berlin-based, Danish contemporary artist Jeppe Hein invites visitors to wander through and experience reflections of themselves and the artwork whilst revealing glimpses of the spaces beyond.
Semicircular Space builds on recent works by Hein which employ mirrors in playful spatial environments, creating a dynamic relationship between reflection and reality. Whilst encouraging a social experience, Hein’s work will complement its surrounds, echoing and refracting the architecture of NGV International designed by Roy Grounds.
“The power of Jeppe Hein’s work lies in its involvement of visitors in explorations of space and perception, in a playful and innovative context,” says Tony Ellwood, Director NGV.
Hein has produced numerous public art commission and exhibited widely internationally including solo exhibitions at the Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg, Germany (2015); 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa (2010); Art Tower Mito, Mito (2010); the Neues Museum, Nürnberg; Indianapolis Museum of Art (2010); ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum, Århus (2009); Sculpture Center, New York; and P.S.1 MOMA, New York (2004).
His works are known for the way they physically respond to the presence of observers, playfully reminding them of their part in the exchange between art and audience.
Semicircular Space has been commissioned as part of the NGV’s ongoing series of Federation Court commissions – which has previously featured projects by international artists including Jamie North, Carsten Höller, Paola Pivi and Pedro Reyes – and is generously supported by the Loti and Victor Smorgon fund.
Jeppe Hein: Semicircular Space
Federation Court – NGV International, St. Kilda Road, Melbourne
On display until 16 September 2016
Free admission
For more information, visit: www.ngv.vic.gov.au for details.
Image: Installation view of Jeppe Hein: Semicircular Space at NGV International – photo by Mathew Lynn